
Glendale Chief of Police Chris Briggs has announced his retirement after more than three decades in law enforcement, the Glendale Police Department stated in a release. Coming to the end of a seminal 32-year career, Briggs credits a recognition of when it's the appropriate moment to transition as part of his decision to retire. "As we look to the future, you have to take opportunities that come your way, and you have to sometimes recognize that it’s time to step aside, and this is the perfect time for me to step aside," Briggs expressed, in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Briggs' tenure, which began in 1992, saw him rise through the ranks from patrol officer to the pinnacle of police chief — a position he clinched in late December of 2019 after serving as interim chief. In his years of service, he notably played a role in establishing the West Valley Incident Response Team and supervised numerous high-profile events in Glendale. "There is not a doubt in my mind that the Glendale Police Department is the best police department in the country, I know what we do and how we do it and I know the passion that we do it with and I couldn’t be prouder of this department," Briggs told 12 News.
Briggs held various positions within the department before his final role as chief, which included work as a criminal investigator, and in special operations. Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps acknowledged Briggs' contributions, "Chief Briggs has served with integrity, vision and unwavering commitment. His wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in shaping the department, and his efforts to modernize our technology have set new standards for public safety and efficiency," according to the interview with 12 News.
As Glendale bids farewell to Briggs on February 28, Assistant Chief Colby Brandt is set to step up as the interim police chief. He will hold the reins of the Glendale Police Department until a permanent successor is found, as per FOX 10 Phoenix.