By Gary Massaro
Police Chief Donnie Perry
Outgoing Greenwood Village Police Chief Donnie Perry received accolades from some who served with him during his tenure.
Perry himself declined to be interviewed.
Perry tendered his resignation last week, effective Sept. 3, from the job he has held for four years.
“I’m incredibly sad to see him go,” said Lt. Dave Fisher. “He’s a great leader and very innovative. And he’s got us on a great track for the future.”
Until a new chief is named, the city’s four police lieutenants will report directly to City Manager Jim Sanderson.
Perry himself served as interim chief about a year before being appointed chief in 2006.
Mayor Nancy Sharpe wished Perry well.
“It is difficult to think about the Greenwood Village Police Department without Chief Perry,” Sharpe said. “Over the years, our community has benefited from his leadership, his integrity, his true concern for citizens and his commitment to safety and security in Greenwood Village. I wish him only the very best because that’s what he has given to us.”
Perry started in law enforcement with Arvada in 1986, joining the GVPD two years later.
Mayor Pro Tem Ron Rakowsky knew Perry way back when.
“I first knew Donnie Perry as Sgt. Donnie Perry. I sat on his assessment center for lieutenant and urged his promotion to lieutenant,” Rakowsky said. “Later I applauded his selection as interim chief. When the ‘interim’ was dropped, I thought then and still think so today he was the right person for the job. When Chief Perry spoke, which was not often as compared to others, you were wise to listen because whatever he had to say was worth listening to. Always professional, he gave his full measure of effort to the position and for that all those served by GVPD should be grateful, as there are none brighter or more dedicated to police work than Chief Donnie Perry.”
Before becoming chief, Perry served as a patrol officer, field-training officer, shift supervisor, administrative sergeant, traffic supervisor, public information officer and lieutenant.
In his letter announcing that he was stepping down, Perry said he wanted to spend more time with his family and that he was ready for new challenges.
Earlier in the year, Perry had received a master’s degree in homeland security.
He retired of his own accord.
“I sincerely appreciate Donnie’s 22 years of dedicated service to our community,” Sanderson said. “Donnie has made significant contributions to his profession over his career and will be successful in seeking new challenges. He will be missed.”
