Ariz. Governor to Conduct Nationwide Search for New Department of Public Safety Director

Ariz. Governor Janet Napolitano is forming a selection committee to conduct a nationwide search for a director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to replace Dennis Garrett who is set to retire this month. In November, Napolitano named current U.S. Marshal David Gonzales to take over, however, Gonzales has withdrawn his name from consideration for personal reasons.

DPS Lt. Col. David Felix will serve as interim director of the agency until a permanent successor to Garrett, who retires on January 16th, is appointed. Felix, a longtime police officer and native of Pinal County, has served in various capacities at DPS, including as Assistant Director for the Criminal Justice Support Division, Commander of Training and Commander of the Southern Patrol Division.

The hiring committee currently includes Jan Strauss, former Chief of Police, City of Mesa; Dora Schriro, Director, Arizona Department of Corrections; Dan Levey, Advisor to the Governor for Victims; outgoing DPS Director Garrett; Richard Saunders, Chief of Police, Tohono O'odham Nation; Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez, CEO, Valle del Sol; Byron Jackson, Mayor, City of Eloy; and Roberto Villasenor, Assistant Chief of Police, City of Tucson.