Avila named new Safford Police Chief

Brian Avila has been named the new Safford Police Chief. A meet-and-greet will be held Thursday, May 18, starting at 6 p.m. at the Safford Library.

Contributed Article/Courtesy City of Safford

SAFFORD – The city of Safford is happy to announce the hiring of its newest Chief of Police, Brian Avila. Avila is currently serving as Police Captain/Interim Chief of Police for the City of Safford Police Department.

Avila is native to the area, born and raised in Clifton. He has 22 years of law enforcement experience, the past 17 years with the city of Safford. The city of Safford is excited to promote internally to fill the position and support its succession planning initiatives. Avila brings many new ideas to the table for the police department and has already started implementing some of this new direction while serving as the interim chief of police. 

Within Avila’s 22 years of law enforcement experience, Avila has worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Clifton Police Department, and the city of Safford. In his 17 years with the police department, Avila has served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, and his current role as police captain for the past three years.

Avila has an Associate’s Degree from Eastern Arizona College in Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University and has leadership training from the AZPOST and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. Avila describes his leadership style as fluid, which includes adapting to situations in order to better serve the needs of the individual and team. 

The chief of police position plans, organizes, directs, and controls the activities of the police department that serves the local community. The city of Safford is eager to have Avila fill this position bringing his experience, education, and internal expertise to the table. 

The city of Safford invites you to meet the new Safford Chief of Police. The meet and greet is May 18 at 6 p.m. in the Safford Library Program Room. 

Editor’s Note: The selection for the Safford Chief of Police is subject to Safford City Council approval at the upcoming council meeting on Monday, May 22.