The chief of the Tohono O'odham Police Department is retiring from the force after holding the position for 4 1/2 years, according to information released by the Department Friday afternoon.
Chief Richard Saunders is stepping down to pursue new job opportunities, and the Tohono O'odham Nation is conducting a search for a new chief, according to a press release.
Saunders will remain with the Department through late November. The search for the new chief will first be internal and then external.
Before being chief, Saunders held the position of assistant chief for three years. He was the first tribal member to attend the FBI National Academy, the release states.
During his tenure, the Department tripled in size and several new substations were built. He also took part in the creation of many new units — such as the anti-violence unit, the financial crimes unit and the vehicular offenses unit.
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"It has been my honor to serve and protect the communities of the Tohono O'odham Nation for over twenty-one years," Saunders said in a news release. "I leave this position without any reservations and am confident the Nation's law enforcement program will continue to be a success for the benefit of the people it is intended to serve."
Added Ned Norris Jr., chairman of the nation, "The Tohono O'odham Nation thanks Chief Saunders for his major role in serving the Nation and protecting its members. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
