City Manager Scott Butler announces the appointment of Executive Assistant Chief Dan Butler as the new Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department, effective July 1. Butler, a 25-year veteran of the Mesa Police Department, will succeed Chief Ken Cost, who announced his retirement after more than 30 years of distinguished service.
"Dan Butler represents the very best of the Mesa Police Department. His 25 years of service, comprehensive operational experience and proven leadership make him the ideal choice to build upon Chief Cost's remarkable legacy. Dan has been instrumental in our department's recent achievements and possesses the vision and expertise to guide us through our next phase of growth and innovation," said Mesa City Manager Scott Butler.
As Executive Assistant Chief, Butler oversees the daily operations of nearly 1,500 sworn and professional staff members, providing leadership across the department's core functions. His responsibilities have encompassed key support divisions including Human Resources, Wellness, Financial Services, Communications and Training. Chief Butler has also successfully led the management of more than $100 million in three major capital improvement projects, ensuring the timely and fiscally responsible completion of critical infrastructure upgrades.
"I am deeply honored by this appointment and the trust placed in me by City Manager Scott Butler and our community. Having served alongside this department's exceptional men and women for 25 years, I understand the dedication and professionalism that makes Mesa Police special,' said incoming Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler. "Im committed to continuing our focus on innovation, community engagement and supporting our officers and professional staff. Together, we will maintain Mesas position as one of America's safest cities."
Throughout his career with Mesa Police, Chief Butler has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple divisions, most notably as head of the Patrol Operations Bureau, the department's largest operational unit encompassing Central, Fiesta, Red Mountain and Superstition Patrol Divisions, as well as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport operations.
"Chief Butler's appointment reflects our commitment to promoting excellence from within our ranks," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "His deep understanding of our community, combined with his extensive experience and advanced training, positions him to continue Mesa's reputation as a leader in modern policing. Im confident he will maintain our focus on community partnership, officer wellness and public safety excellence."
Chief Butler holds a Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University. He has completed several prestigious law enforcement leadership programs, including the FBI's National Executive Institute (NEI), the Major Cities Chiefs Association's Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI), the Police Executive Research Forums Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) and Northwestern Universitys School of Command and Management. He currently serves as a committee member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Please note: Although the City Manager and the incoming Chief of Police share the same last name, they are not related.