Denver Police Department Chief Robert White this week made changes to his command staff, giving promotions to rising stars and sending others back down the ranks.
The promotions and transfers include a new deputy chief and new commanders for three patrol districts.
Chief of Staff Matt Murray will become deputy chief of administration on Aug. 30, according to a department memo signed by White. Murray will replace Deputy Chief Mary Beth Klee who is retiring after serving 32 years with the department.
The three new district commanders take over Friday.
Cmdr. Magen Dodge will lead District 3 in southeast Denver after heading up the operations support division where she was instrumental in developing the department’s new body camera program.
Cmdr. Mark Fleecs will take over District 4 in southwest Denver after leading the investigative support division, which includes the department’s gang unit.
Cmdr. Ron Thomas will be in charge of District 5 in northeast Denver after ending his tenure as head of the internal affairs bureau.
Cmdr. Joseph Montoya will replace Thomas as head of internal affairs, which investigates complaints against officers.
Two commanders will be demoted and transferred out of the districts.
Cmdr. Bill Nagle will become a captain and will move to the community relations division from District 4.
Cmdr. Les Perry will become a lieutenant and move to Denver International Airport from District 5.
Three lieutenants have been promoted to commander: Marcus Fountain, Barb Archer and Charles Kyle.
Finally, promotions and transfers were announced for 45 other officers.
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@ or
