BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean swore in Boise’s New Police Chief, Chris Dennison, on Tuesday at the Boise City Council meeting. He will not officially start until Sept. 20, according to the City of Boise press release.
Dennison is replacing current Police Chief Ron Winegar, who is retiring. Winegar started in May 2023, after previous Police Chief Ryan Lee resigned in 2022 after internal complaints from the department.
“It was apparent that he [Dennison] cared deeply about officer wellness and the desire to create a great environment for our officers,” McLean said. “Who have to be in a great environment to continue to provide the great environment that we have here in our city.”
McLean said she chose Dennison after surveying 1,000 residents in Boise about what they wanted in a police chief. After panels and discussions with a search committee, McLean said she felt that Dennison has a proven commitment to community and a collaborative approach when it comes to policing.
“I offered Chris Dennison the job as our police chief after an extensive public process and one that I really enjoyed being a part of because I learned so much from residents,” McLean said.
Winegar will have his last day before Dennison steps on Sept. 20.
“For the 1000’s of Boiseans who have been impacted by your service, and then you heeded the call when I called, and for that, I will be forever grateful,” McLean said.
Dennison said he is thankful for the opportunity at the meeting, and said he is excited to begin his new role. He, his wife, and his daughter will be moving from Tuscon, Arizona, where he previously worked as the assistant police chief.
“I will absolutely not let the men and women down with the Boise Police Department,” Dennison said.