Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps announced the hiring of Police Chief Colby Brandt for the Glendale Police Department on Monday morning following a four-month period serving as interim police chief.

Brandt is a 28-year department veteran, most recently serving as assistant chief, and has held leadership positions across every division of the organization.

“In Glendale, we have been fortunate to have been able to promote exceptional leaders into the position of police chief who have served at all ranks within the department and reflect the values that make us special,” Phelps stated in a press release. “Colby Brandt embodies this tradition of homegrown leadership.”

Brandt, a second-generation law enforcement officer, joined the Glendale Police Department in 1997. He said he is committed to officer development, building regional partnerships and advancing public safety.

His current priorities include strengthening traffic safety through enhanced speed enforcement tools and ensuring Glendale remains a safe and welcoming place.

“I’m honored to lead the exceptional men and women of the Glendale Police Department and serve the community where I was born and raised,” Brandt stated. “I’ve had incredible mentors throughout my career who have prepared me to lead us into the future, and I’m grateful for the continued support of my wife and family, our elected officials, city management and community.” 

Brandt previously served as the administrative services commander, overseeing training, personnel, budget, grants, audits and research functions. His prior roles include patrol officer, property crimes detective, auto theft detective, patrol sergeant, neighborhood response squad sergeant, patrol lieutenant, general investigations lieutenant and gateway patrol commander.

He holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Ottawa University and a master's degree in homeland security from Pennsylvania Western University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy and the Arizona POST Leadership Program.

He has been married for 30 years and has two children, including one currently serving in the United States Air Force.