Oro Valley Town Council Chambers was packed last night, with civilians and cops on site to witness the 7-0 approval of Oro Valley Police Commander Kara Riley as Oro Valley's new chief of police. Riley will assume her new position later this month.
Winfield introduced motion
Mayor Winfield introduced the resolution to retain Riley. Each council member then spoke in praise of her, the police force, and retiring Police Chief Daniel Sharp.
Riley was the best of 70 candidates
Winfield noted that Riley was the best of 70 candidates. In fact, he observed, that three Oro Valley police members were among the final 10.
Council Member Bill Rodman thanked Chief Sharp for insuring that Oro Valley would have someone from within to assume leadership upon his retirement; a promise, Rodman told the audience, that Sharp made when he was retained as chief 20 years ago.
After the vote, Riley took the moment to thank Chief Sharp and her fellow officers for their support. She also introduced her family in attendance.
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| Commander Riley with Dad and Mom |
Oro Valley comes together
Last night Council Member Rodman noted all the cops in council chamber. He said that this had to be the safest place in Oro Valley.
Mayor Winfield stated that it was also the happiest place in town.
Things haven't always been that way in council chambers. There have been some very tough decisions that have been made, some divisive to council. But this decision, the one to retain Riley, brought the council and the community together.
It was a great moment for Oro Valley
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