The city of Yuma announced a new police chief on Monday, following the retirement of his predecessor.
Thomas Garrity has been selected to replace Superintendent Susan Smith, who has been with the Yuma Police Department for 30 years and has been the police chief since 2019. According to the city, Susan is the first woman in the history of the YPD to hold the next rank position. , Captain, Deputy Chief, Chief.
Garrity, a U.S. Army veteran, is currently the commander of the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia and oversees the Violent Crimes and Investigation Service, according to his LinkedIn profile. He will begin his new role in Yuma on January 9th.
Garrity started his career in the same division 32 years ago and was promoted to captain in 2019. According to Yuma’s press release, he is from Paxinos, Pennsylvania.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University and a Master of Public Administration degree from National University. He will also graduate from his FBI National Academy in 2021 and has completed crisis intervention training, among other teaching and training experiences.
In a news release, Garrity said, “It is an indescribable honor and humbled to be chosen as Yuma’s next Chief of Police.” is dedicated to making it the best place to play.Together we will continue to do this important work.As the Yuma community continues to grow, my family and I look forward to being part of the future of Yuma. I am doing it.”
According to the press release, his experience includes leading internal teams, working with local stakeholders to plan and build new police districts, as part of his county’s first community police project. Includes various roles.
He was also the county’s lead detective on the investigation and prosecution of the “DC Sniper” who randomly killed 10 people in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia in 2002.
Garrity was selected from among three finalists, the other two including San Luis, Arizona Police Chief Richard Jessup and Roswell, New Mexico Police Chief Philip Smith.
“I am very impressed with Tom and his 30+ years of professional police experience,” said Jay Simonton, deputy city administrator, in a news release. “I truly believe he will rise to the challenge and be a great leader for the men and women of the police department. .”
