GOVERNOR NAPOLITANO APPOINTS NEW DPS DIRECTOR
Pinal County Sheriff to fill position

PHOENIX - Gov. Janet Napolitano today announced that she has named Roger L.
Vanderpool the new director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Vanderpool, who currently serves as Pinal County Sheriff, joins DPS with
approximately 30 years of law enforcement experience.

"Roger will be a great addition to DPS," said Napolitano. "His years of
experienced leadership and extensive background in Arizona's law enforcement
issues make him the perfect candidate for DPS director. He will do an
excellent job leading Arizona's finest at DPS."

Vanderpool is currently serving his second term as sheriff. He directs 350
employees, manages an annual operating budget of nearly $20 million and
operates a 472-bed detention facility. During his term as Sheriff, Pinal
County built a 46,000 square foot administration building; work is currently
underway to expand a $70 million detention and training facility for adults
and juveniles.

Prior to his service as county sheriff, Vanderpool was a DPS officer for 20
years. He worked as a patrolman, a lieutenant of the highway patrol and as a
lieutenant of criminal investigations. Before his time at DPS, Vanderpool
was a patrolman for the City of Goshen Police Department in Indiana and was
a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Vanderpool is active in the community, serving as president of the Arizona
Sheriff's Association, president of the Pinal County Law Enforcement
Association and a board member of the Casa Grande Boys and Girls Club. His
professional and educational background includes the FBI National Academy,
National Sheriff's Institute, Arizona State University Command College and
Public Executive Institute, and Indiana University.

Vanderpool will continue as Pinal County Sheriff until he is confirmed by
the state Senate. Lt. Col. David Felix will continue to act as DPS interim
director until Vanderpool's confirmation.

 

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