Fifteen apply to become Pueblo’s new Police Chief

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- 13 Investigates has learned 15 individuals from all across the country have applied to become Pueblo's new Chief of Police. Chief Troy Davenport stepped down from the position last month, but the current interim chief was under investigation for discrimination and intimidation earlier this year.

According to Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar, the deadline to submit an application for the Chief of Police position has ended. Fifteen have applied, and four of the applicants come from within the Pueblo Police Department. Gradisar says applicants came from all over the country, including California, New Jersey, Arizona, Minnesota, and North Carolina.

Gradisar says a committee will review each application, and on July 9th the interview process will get underway.

Capt. Kenny Rider with the Pueblo Police Department confirmed that Steven Noeller, the current interim chief, has applied for the permanent job.

Mayor Gradisar appointed Noeller to serve as interim chief back in April. However, before the then-deputy chief could step into the new role, 13 Investigates revealed that from 2018 to 2020 ten complaints were filed by Pueblo Police officers against Noeller.

According to a summary of an investigation into the allegations of discrimination and intimidation, Noeller had a temper and divisive leadership style. However, investigators concluded there is no evidence of federal civil rights violations. 

In a statment to 13 Investigates, Noeller previously acknowledged he has made mistakes as a leader and owns those mistakes.

"I wish I could go back in time and do things differently, but I cannot," said Noeller in May. "Instead, I understand I am responsible for my actions, and I have an obligation to both the officers who work in our department and the citizens of Pueblo to continue to grow as a leader. While I work toward becoming the best leader I can, it is worth noting that I am in a position where our community and our organization expects me to hold officers accountable at time."

In a statement to 13 Investigates, Gradisar, who originally initiated the investigation, called the allegations against Noeller "baseless."

13 Investigates asked the Mayor if the public or media will have an opportunity to interview or ask finalists questions before the mayor makes a final decision. Gradisar says he is unsure if the finalists will be named publicly.

Gradisar says there is no timetable for when the city will choose the new chief of police. Former Chief Troy Davenport will be officially of the pay roll on the 31st of July.