Prescott Police Chief Debora Black has announced her intention to retire from law enforcement, effective Feb. 12. She intends to remain available to the city in an advisory and support role during the transition in departmental leadership. Deputy Chief Amy Bonney will be named Interim Police Chief as city leadership considers the next steps to replace Chief Black.
“For me, serving the City of Prescott for nearly five years has been an absolute honor and the pinnacle of my law enforcement career,” said Chief Black. “The challenges we have faced and the successes we have enjoyed are attributable to the strength of the relationships, collaboration and unwavering dedication to our mission and the people we serve. We have been so fortunate to have the full support of city management, the mayor and council, and, of course, our citizens.
“While I am looking forward to retirement from public service, I am also very excited to begin a new career as a licensed counselor. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the critical need for mental health services. I am excited I will soon join the ranks of professional mental health providers and further my passion to help people in the community.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Chief Black for her unwavering dedication,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli. “I have greatly appreciated her steady leadership, her vast experience and her dedicated professionalism. I wish her all the best in her new ventures as she continues to serve our community.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Chief Black,” said City Manager Michael Lamar. “Her experience and leadership were greatly appreciated, especially during this past year. We wish her well as she takes on a new endeavor. I am pleased to appoint Amy Bonney to the position of Interim Police Chief. The department will be in good hands, as we move forward with plans to replace Chief Black.”
Deputy Chief Bonney says it has been an honor to serve with Chief Black. “She has helped me grow and develop into the law enforcement leader I am today. The men and women of the Prescott Police Department thank Chief Black for her professional leadership. We wish her well as she continues to serve the community with integrity, compassion and grace.”
Deputy Chief Bonney has served as Prescott’s deputy chief of police since 2016, and has been with the department for more than 22 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix. Deputy Chief Bonney is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and serves as the first vice president for the FBI National Academy Associates, Arizona chapter. She is also President of the Prescott Kiwanis Club.
She says stepping into her new role at the Prescott Police Department is a privilege. “Together, we will focus on the future and continue to serve this wonderful community.”
Chief Black was appointed police chief in 2016 and was the first woman to serve in the position. Prior to joining the Prescott Police Department, she served as chief of police of the Glendale Police Department, preceded by five and a half years as an assistant chief. She had also served with the Phoenix Police Department for 25 years. During her career, Chief Black was awarded the Medal of Valor, three Medals of Lifesaving and two Police Chief’s Unit Awards. She was Executive Fellow for the Police Foundation dedicated to advancing policing through innovation and science.
In September, Chief Black was recognized as a 2020 Arizona Capitol Times Public Safety Leader of the Year. QCBN
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