Swearing-In Ceremony and Badge Presentation Scheduled for Feb. 21 City Council Meeting

City Manager Brenda Fischer announced today that Interim Police Chief Steve Stahl has been appointed Police Chief. Stahl will assume the permanent role of Police Chief on Monday, Feb. 13. He will be ceremonially sworn in as Police Chief during a ceremony as part of the Feb. 21 City Council meeting.

“We are thrilled to have Chief Stahl join our City as Police Chief,” Fischer said. “During his time as Interim Chief, he has made a positive and significant impact on the department, the City organization, and the community at large.”

While serving the City as Interim Chief since October 2011, Chief Stahl has overseen the audit of the Police Department, implemented new policies and procedures, enhanced internal and external communication, streamlined operations, helped negotiate two successful memorandums of understanding, and increased community outreach.

“While holding the title of ‘Interim’ Chief, Stahl has made a permanent impression on this City,” Fischer stated. She went on to explain her reasons for changing her initial strategy for filling this position.

“When the Police Chief position became vacant, I stated that the interim would not be a candidate for the permanent position,” Fischer explained. “I did this so that the Interim Chief would make decisions in the best interest of the Police Department, not in the best interest of their application for the position. When I made that statement, I had no idea that a professional of Chief Stahl’s caliber would be serving as Interim Chief.” 

“Through my observations and the feedback I’ve received from the community, our City Council members, the Police Department staff, and others, I knew we had the best qualified candidate already on board.” Fischer said. “He has proven to be a great fit with our organization and our community and I am excited to appoint him Police Chief.”

Stahl, 51, has been working with the City of Maricopa as Interim Chief since Oct. 31 through an intergovernmental agency agreement with the City of Mesa. During his tenure in Mesa, Stahl had five assignments as part of the department leadership in Mesa. He oversaw the crime lab, jail, two patrol districts, Special Operations, the Gang Unit and the SWAT Team. His last assignment was as the Commander over Human Resources. He took over as Interim Chief upon the retirement of former Police Chief Patrick Melvin.

“I am truly humbled by this appointment and the trust that City Manager Fischer has placed in me,” said Chief Stahl. “I fervently look forward to leading the exceptional men and women of our department toward future goals and crime-fighting missions to attain and maintain the highest level of professionalism. I am also excited about engaging with community members to address issues together and celebrate our successes. This is truly a highlight in my career and I enthusiastically accept the responsibilities bestowed on me.” 

Stahl has nearly 25 years experience in law enforcement. Prior to serving with the City of Maricopa, his entire law enforcement career has been with the City of Mesa, starting as a Police Officer and rising through the ranks to Commander. Today, Stahl announced his retirement from the City of Mesa.

Stahl holds a holds a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State and a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. He is also a graduate from the Northwestern Command School. He is an instructor on Leadership in Police Organizations with Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) and the International Association of the Chiefs of Police (IACP).