Aurora Names New Police Chief
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Aurora has named a new Chief of Police, Nick Metz of Seattle.
Aurora City Manager Skip Noe made the announcement in a statement Thursday morning.
Metz is currently the Assistant Chief with the City of Seattle Police Department where he has worked for more than 31 years.
"To say this opportunity is a dream come true would be an understatement. I am excited to work along-side the women and men of this nationally recognized agency as we work together to enhance public safety and continue to build upon the already strong partnerships with Aurora's diverse communities. I thank Mr. Noe and his team for their confidence, and will work hard to maintain it," said Metz in a statement.
"I believe that Nick Metz is the right person with the right skills to lead the Aurora Police Department. His extensive experience leading a large organization, serving a complex and diverse community, makes him a unique fit for the Aurora of today and the future," said Noe.
Noe said he made the selection following an extensive national search and interview process that included citizens, employees and the Aurora City Council.
Metz's appointment must be ratified by the City Council. His appointment is subject to completion of a full background check. His annual compensation will be $163,500 plus benefits.
Deputy Chief Terry Jones, a 35-year veteran of the department, has served as the Aurora Police Interim Chief since May 2014 when the position was vacated by former Police Chief Dan Oates. Oates resigned to become the Chief of Police in Miami Beach, Fla.
Metz manages more than 700 employees and a budget in excess of $100 million. Metz has a bachelor's degree in general studies and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and the Senior Management Institute for Police hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
Metz was selected from a group of four finalists including: Jose Bañales, Assistant Police Chief with the San Antonio Police Department, TX; Fran Gomez, Deputy Chief with the Commerce City Police Department, CO; and, Roy Minter Jr., Police Chief for the city of Peoria, AZ.
