Louisville names Rafael Gutierrez as new police chief – Boulder Dail…

Louisville announced Monday it has named Rafael Gutierrez as the city’s new Chief of Police.

Gutierrez is currently Deputy Chief of Police with the Greeley Police Department, where he has spent much of his career in various roles. According to a news release, he holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Colorado State University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“Rafael competed in a national recruitment for the position with a number of exceptional candidates. After a thorough vetting process, he rose to the top of the candidate pool and we’re excited to have him join the Louisville team,” City Manager Jeff Durbin stated in the release. “I would like to thank city staff and the community who participated in the interview process, and especially the finalists for their professional commitment to public safety and their interest in the city of Louisville.”

In his new position, Gutierrez will oversee daily operations and administrations of the Louisville Police Department. He is tentatively slated for a start date of May 30, the release stated.

Gutierrez will fill the role of former Louisville Police Chief David Hayes, who resigned Nov. 28 to accept a job as police chief for Estes Park. Jeff Fisher stepped in as interim police chief after Hayes’ departure as the department embarked on the process of hiring a permanent replacement.

As of April 10, the city announced it had narrowed the candidate pool down to four finalists, including Gutierrez. A community reception was held Thursday for the finalists.