Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Tuesday appointed Ron Thomas as police chief and Armando Saldate as public safety executive director.

Saldate also has the title of deputy mayor, the mayor’s office confirmed on Tuesday.

“Armando has assumed the role of deputy mayor, which allows him to perform essential duties of the mayor when the mayor is out of town or otherwise unable to do so,” a mayor’s office spokesperson said.

Tuesday’s announcement was primarily about permanently appointing two public safety executives originally appointed by former Mayor Michael Hancock.

“Public safety is one of my top priorities as mayor,” Johnston said in a statement. “We laid out a big vision for what’s possible in Denver, and we’re delighted that Armando and Chief Thomas share this vision.”

Thomas, a Denver native, started his career as a public safety cadet, and he moved up from police officer, to special operations, to division chief of patrol, and became police chief in 2022.

“As chief of police, 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,” the mayor’s office said.

Saldate, a former officer with the Denver Police Department, relocated to Denver from Phoenix, where he was top of class at the city’s police department.

The public safety czar was first nominated to the executive director position in 2022. Saldate leads the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver Sheriff’s Department, Denver 9-1-1, Community Corrections, Public Safety Youth Programs, the Office of Community Violence Solutions, and now serves as Denver’s deputy mayor.

“Together, these proven leaders can help deliver a safer city for Denverites. Thank you to the team members of (public) safety and DPD for their hard work, passion and dedication to keeping our community safe,” Johnston said.