Chief Ron Thomas began his career in law enforcement as a Denver Department of Safety cadet, shortly after graduating from Denver’s Thomas Jefferson High School. In 1989, Chief Thomas joined the Denver Police Department, continuing a family tradition of public service to the Denver community. Since then, Chief Thomas has held numerous assignments in Patrol, Investigations, Police Administration, and Special Operations, including assignments as Commander of Police District Two, Police District Five, and the Internal Affairs Division. In 2018, Chief Thomas was selected as the Division Chief of Patrol where he served until his appointment by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock as Chief of Police for the Denver Police Department.
As a Division Chief, Chief Thomas maintained a well-established reputation as a collaborative leader and consensus builder, developing and sustaining lasting partnerships with neighborhood organizations, community leaders, and other city agencies. Additionally, while leading the Internal Affairs Division, Chief Thomas spearheaded the creation of the Denver Police Wellness and Resiliency Unit.
Chief Thomas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia Southern University and completed postgraduate study at the Naval Post-Graduate School, the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
In addition to being steadfastly committed to the residents of Denver and the mission of the Denver Police Department, Chief Thomas is also an avid sports fan, engages in several outdoor activities, and enjoys coaching and mentoring Denver’s youth.