Press Release: Thornton Police Department Welcomes New Chief Jim Baird
The Thornton Police Department is set to officially welcome Jim Baird as its new chief of police at the end of May. Baird was selected from a competitive pool of 35 candidates, following a comprehensive recruitment process that included input from community members and department staff through surveys, interview panels, and a meet-and-greet forum.
Baird joins Thornton from Breckenridge, where he previously served as police chief. He has also held the position of chief of police in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 2016 to 2018. His appointment comes after the retirement of former Chief Terrence Gordon, who dedicated nearly 30 years to the police force and previously served as assistant chief in Milwaukee.
With a robust background in law enforcement, Baird graduated from the police academy in Michigan in 1993 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. He is currently the president of the Colorado Association of Police Chiefs.
In a statement, Baird expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the dedicated team at Thornton, emphasizing his commitment to serving the community in collaboration with his fellow officers: “I am grateful to the city of Thornton for this incredible opportunity to join the dedicated team of law enforcement officers and professional staff already serving this exceptional community.”
Thornton City Manager Tansy Hayward praised the selection process, commending Baird’s strengths in operational excellence and community collaboration. She expressed excitement about his addition to the team, stating, “I am thrilled that he is joining our team!”
The Thornton Police Department comprises 258 sworn officers and 88 non-sworn staff members, all committed to serving and protecting the community.
