A former deputy chief of the Commerce City Police Department will act as Denver’s sheriff on an interim basis when the agency’s top official steps down next month.

Fran Gomez, now the sheriff’s department director of professional standards, is slated to temporarily replace Sheriff Patrick Firman on Oct. 14, Denver Public Safety Department Executive Director Troy Riggs said at a Thursday news conference. 

Her swearing-in will mark the first time on record that a woman held the position, Riggs said. 

Firman, who was appointed by Mayor Michael Hancock in 2015, decided to resign after considering leaving the agency for “a couple months,” Riggs said. 

“There has been progress made in the sheriff’s department,” Riggs said. “But I also have to be honest and say there’s a lot more work that needs to be done. I’m confident that Fran is going to get us moving in that direction” 

“She’ll make the tough decisions. She’s tenacious. She’s friendly – she’s got a nice smile – but believe me, she’s tough as nails as well,” he added. 

Gomez’ law enforcement career has spanned three decades. She got her start at the Denver Sheriff’s Department, working as a deputy in corrections. She became Aurora’s first female commander in 2012, later joining Commerce City’s police as the deputy chief of operations, then led the support division.

She returned to the Denver Sheriff’s Department last year. 

Starting Friday, Gomez will be meeting with rank-and-file staff to discuss their vision for the department, Riggs said. 

“I have some exposure over this year, but I don’t know everything,” Gomez said. “So I’d like to find out what all is going on, what’s on everybody’s mind, what the department needs, and work from there.” 

As the Denver begins the search for a long-term replacement, officials will collect input from residents on what they see as the department’s biggest challenges and top priorities for a new sheriff, Riggs said.  

There will be two community meetings before the end of this year, he said.