By Mary Goldmeer
Mail | Independant Newsmedia

Retired Phoenix Police Department Cmdr. Brian Issitt was sworn in to fill Goodyear’s chief of police role Aug. 27

The ceremony preceded a regular city council meeting and brought together elected officials, members of the Goodyear community and Isitt’s family, mentors and former coworkers.

Issitt spent 22 years working in Phoenix overseeing the Desert Horizon Precinct, the Traffic Unit, Vehicular Crimes Unit, Transit Unit and the Advanced Training Bureau. Issitt took on leadership roles with the SWAT team and the Homeland Defense Bureau.

Issitt‘s father was a police officer, and Issitt said his father, his wife and four children taught him the value of living a life of integrity and character.

“When (my father) pinned my badge on me in 2001 after I graduated from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, he told me two things. First, show respect to everyone. Second, don’t do anything that would tarnish the badge,” Issitt said. “I have lived up to that calling and have those same expectations of everyone whom I am fortunate enough to lead.”

Issitt earned two master’s degrees, from Arizona State University in administration of justice and the American Military University in national security studies. He also graduated from a supplementary educational program at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

With his experience and as chief of police, Issitt will manage the department, interpret codes, laws and ordinances and uphold them, work to develop programs that will prevent criminal activities take on public relations duties and attend council meetings.

Issitt takes the role after former Police Chief Santiago Rodriguez announced his retirement from the Goodyear Police Department in January after 26 years of service.

After Issitt swore an oath to protect and serve the Goodyear community and to uphold moral and ethical standards, the city council members each took turns welcoming Issitt to the team.

“It has been an interesting watch over the decades to see how the Goodyear Police Department has changed,” Councilmember Bill Stipp said. “I think you’re the right fit for the right time in this organization.”

Wynette Reed, Goodyear city manager, was tasked with narrowing down candidates for the role.

“Brian brings tremendous experience to our city and has worked his way up through the ranks during his career,” Reed said. “I am so impressed with Brian’s passion for what he does and for his eagerness to help lead Goodyear’s public safety mission.”

Having been sworn in, Issitt sat through his first council meeting as a city expert to provide background on any department-related issues.

“Having the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Goodyear Police Department is a lifelong dream come true,” Issitt said. “I am looking forward to immersing myself into the Goodyear culture and continuing to build on the strong relationships that already exist between the community and the police department today.”