Local news- Press Release
Aspen Colorado - Aspen Chief of Police Richard Pryor Announces Retirement 02 June 2022 ( news )
Aspen , state Colorado ( By Press Release office)
Jun 02,2022
| 18| 2
PRESS RELEASE
Aspen Chief of Police Richard Pryor Announces Retirement
Contacts:
Richard Pryor , Chief of Police , City of Aspen ,
Richard . Pryor@aspen . gov
, 970 - 274 - 4101
Jami McMannes , Communications Manager , City of Aspen
Jami . McMannes@aspen . gov
, 970 - 765 - 4752
Aspen , Colo . – June 2 , 2022 –
On December 17 , 2022 , Richard Pryor will celebrate his 15
th
year as the Chief of Police with the Aspen Police Department . Also in December , Chief Pryor will retire after working with the City of Aspen for nearly 29 years .
“It’s an exciting time for me , for my family , and for the Aspen community , ” Chief Pryor said . “I’ve been with the Aspen Police Department since 1994 and in that time , I’ve seen the department and the community grow around the ‘community policing philosophy . ”
Chief Pryor started his career with the Aspen Police Department as a Community Safety Officer . While responding to wildlife calls and traffic incidents , Pryor saw the connections that the police had with the community and aspired to grow in his field . He graduated from the police academy in 1996 , then served as a patrol officer , sergeant , and assistant chief before becoming the Chief of Police in 2007 . He has worn six different badge numbers and is the longest - serving chief in the history of the Aspen Police Department .
“Richard has been a pillar of our community for many years , ” said Sara Ott , Aspen City Manager . “I admire his professionalism , compassion , leadership , and determination to deliver police services in a uniquely Aspen way . Community policing in Aspen is different from nearly every other community – a testament to Richard’s and the department staff’s keen listening and responsiveness to the town’s needs and expectations . ”
While serving with the Aspen Police Department , Pryor prioritized building lasting and meaningful relationships with people and organizations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley . In 2017 , the Aspen Police Department , Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office , and Snowmass Village Police Department developed the Pitkin Area Co - Responder Team ( PACT ) to help decriminalize mental health in the community . Mental health co - responders work with officers and deputies to coordinate access to resources and provide the necessary support to clients when substance abuse and/or mental health challenges exist .
Chief Pryor attributes the success of the police department to the quality of people on the team . “We’ve worked really hard to find the right people for the positions with the department , ” said Pryor . “There isn’t a magic recipe . It takes persistence , intention , and focus . Real - life experience really helps when it comes to being a good fit as a police officer in Aspen . ”
“Our goal is to provide non - traditional solutions to resolve problems , ” continued Chief Pryor . “I am continuously impressed by the empathy , patience , care , and support that emulates from our team . We serve with the mindset that those we respond to are all just people trying to live life , without judgment , and with the intention of resolving a situation with the lightest touch possible . We believe anyone can find strength within to overcome the obstacles in their lives and will support them as best we can . ”
After retirement , Chief Pryor and his wife , Pip , plan to join their family in England and get back to their roots . Pryor grew up in the county of Hertfordshire and will be relocating to the countryside . “I’m tempted to do some part - time labor – ditch - digging , hedge cutting , and the sorts , ” shared Pryor . “I’m looking forward to living off the grid for a bit . ”
Chief Pryor will retire in December 2022 . Although Chief Pryor’s retirement becomes official in December , the City’s search for a new Chief of Police is now underway . Under the City’s Charter , the City Manager is responsible for selecting and hiring the Police Chief , with the confirmation of Aspen City Council . The City intends to use the assistance of a professional recruiter to identify and encourage a wide range of applicants . The community will be invited to meet finalists and share impressions of the candidates with the City Manager later this fall .
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