Hi Boulder. I’m Steve Redfearn, your new interim police chief. You may be asking yourself who is this guy and what does this leadership change mean. That’s why I wanted to take the time to formally introduce myself and this new community newsletter to help you get to know me, my goals, and more about your Boulder Police Department. This monthly newsletter will include a column from me, crime stats, stories about your BPD officers and professional staff as well as public safety information and community events where we plan to get to know you better. I hope you enjoy the information and let me know what you think!

Since this is our first newsletter, I thought I’d start with who I am and why I’m honored and humbled to be your interim police chief. I grew up in Colorado and thought I might follow in my father’s footsteps to become a businessman. That all changed when I went on a ride along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. I was immediately drawn to the job and the ability to help people.

I joined the explorer program at Arapahoe County Sheriff and that’s when I knew I was hooked. Being a part of a team that made a positive impact on the community was something to which I knew I wanted to dedicate my life.

I started my policing career as a cadet and then a 911 dispatcher in Jefferson County. Then I became a police officer at the Aurora Police Department for two decades. I appreciate the experiences and lessons I learned during my time on patrol, working in the homicide, narcotics, auto theft, and pattern crimes units as well as serving in the field training program mentoring new officers.

As a first responder to the tragic Century 16 Theatre shooting in 2012, I am also a strong believer in officer wellness and mental health. I was a sergeant at the time and quickly learned that after the chaos, triage, and long trial, the importance of mental health and officer wellness cannot be taken lightly. If you have any knowledge about the number of sad situations that officers are exposed to on a regular basis you know that being mentally and emotionally fit to serve the community is just as important as being physically fit.

Since 2017, I’ve been proud to serve as the president of the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, a non-profit that assists police departments and families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. I responded to Boulder in that role after Officer Eric Talley and nine community members were killed March 22, 2021, to see how the foundation could help. I watched this city and BPD grieve their community members and their officer then come together as Boulder Strong.

After seeing the work and character of the officers and professional staff in this city, I knew I wanted to join the Boulder Police team. Since September 2021, I have served as your deputy chief of operations and believe that has helped prepare me well for this new role.

In the coming months we’ll continue to share information with you and we’re looking forward to seeing you at community events! Please let me know what you want to know more about.

Una cosa que la gente quizás no sepa de mí es que hablo español. Soy competente y, con suerte, algún día lo haré con fluidez. No uso mis habilidades en español tanto día a día ahora que estoy en un trabajo de oficina, pero agradezco la oportunidad de practicar mis habilidades con grupos comunitarios. Mi equipo y yo estaríamos encantados de asistir a cualquier evento de la comunidad, independientemente del idioma que se hable, así que no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros. Muchas gracias.

In partnership,

Steve Redfearn, interim Police Chief