Denver Mayor Michael Hancock swore in Ashley Kilroy as the city’s interim manager of safety Wednesday afternoon after Charles Garcia submitted his resignation.
The mayor said he was surprised by Garcia’s departure, even though Garcia always intended to stay on the job temporarily and had previously said he understood Hancock would want to choose his own candidate for the job.
Garcia’s four-month tenure was marked by controversy because eight Denver police officers were fired for disciplinary infractions and those decisions upset the rank and file of the Police Department.
Hancock referred questions to Garcia when asked why Garcia decided to resign Wednesday. Garcia could not be immediately reached for comment.
Kilroy was serving as deputy manager of safety before her appointment.
Hancock praised Garcia’s work as safety manager and said he stood by the decisions Garcia made while in office.
Kilroy is among four candidates interviewing for the job, Hancock said.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
