ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix suburb names interim police chief

Dec 16, 2016, 7:23 AM | Updated: 7:27 am

(Facebook Photo)...

(Facebook Photo)

(Facebook Photo)

PHOENIX — Longtime Mesa police officer Michael Dvorak has been named interim chief of the city’s police department.

The announcement was made Thursday by Mesa officials.

Dvorak, one of three assistant chiefs, will take over for John Meza, who will retire shortly before the holidays.

Interim Police Chief Michael Dvorak (City of Mesa Photo)

Interim Police Chief Michael Dvorak (City of Mesa Photo)


“I am confident in Michael’s ability to lead the department,” City Manager Chris Brady said in a release.

“He knows this community, has great relationships with the rank and file members and is committed to the organization and its mission.”

Dvorak has worked in the department for 29 years. He joined the command staff in 2004 and most recently led the investigation bureau.

He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in justice studies and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Dvorak will begin his new duties Dec. 22, when Meza leaves after 30 years with the department.

The city will conduct a national search for a permanent chief starting in early 2017.

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Phoenix suburb names interim police chief