Colorado State University has named Jay Callaghan, captain of the CSU Police Department and the only runner-up for the job, its next police chief. He officially started the role on Monday.
Prior to being named chief, he had worked as a patrol captain for CSU police for about a year and a half, during which time he led the division of the department that responds to emergencies. He came to CSU in 2021 from Larimer County, where he worked as a security officer. He has also worked for the Norman, Oklahoma and Phoenix police departments.
“I am confident that Jay brings to the table a commitment to the entire University community – all of our students, faculty and staff – with a focus on continuing to build relationships across the university, city, county, and state, along with a commitment to…raise the voices of students, faculty, and staff on university safety concerns and issues,” said the vice- CSU Deputy Chairman for Safety and Risk Services, Marc Barker, in a press release.
CSU began its search for its next police chief in the fall of 2021 and named Callaghan the sole finalist for the position in July.
“During my brief time at Colorado State University, I had the opportunity to build positive relationships with members of my department, establish stability and set goals, and provide opportunities for growth that were presented using my transformational leadership style,” Callaghan wrote in a cover letter used to apply for the job, which CSU made public when he was named the sole finalist.
Prior to Callaghan’s appointment, the CSU had two acting chiefs: Wendy Rich-Goldschmidt, who served as CSU Chief of Police from 2009 to 2013 and served as acting chief until December 2021, and Frank Johnson, who succeeded Rich-Goldschmidt.
Johnson did not apply for the job and will return to his role as captain with the department, according to the statement.
Molly Bohannon covers city government for the Coloradoan. Follow her on Twitter @molboha or contact her at mbohannon@coloradoan.com.
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