ALAMOSA – Four months after former Chief of Police Ken Anderson resigned from his position with Alamosa Police Department (APD) followed by a multi-round interview of applicants process that included questions from a committee comprised of department heads with the city and several law enforcement officials from outside the valley, Monte Vista Police Department’s current Chief of Police George Dingfelder has accepted the offer to serve as APD’s new Chief of Police.

Dingfelder will take over as APD’s new chief on May 6,

“I am honored to be selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Alamosa and look forward to working with the dedicated officers of the Alamosa Police Department,” Dingfelder said in a statement issued by the city on Monday. “I thank the city of Alamosa for giving me this opportunity to serve the citizens of Alamosa and the San Luis Valley in a profession I have dedicated my entire adult life to.”

Dingfelder is not unfamiliar with the workings of the APD as, during former Police Chief Anderson’s tenure, there were multiple times that the two law enforcement agencies co-operated on major felony cases. The co-operation was frequent and effective, ultimately culminating in an inter-agency agreement approved by the Alamosa City Council making it an accepted part of procedures, when necessary.

According to the city’s press release announcing the decision, Dingfelder has a long history of law enforcement service that includes six years in the US Army Military Police, 25 years in the Colorado State Patrol, and four years as Chief of Police for the City of Monte Vista. While serving with the Colorado State Patrol, Dingfelder moved up through the ranks, ultimately serving as the Major overseeing field operations for District 5, comprised of 17 counties, including the San Luis Valley.

“Chief Dingfelder brings not only a strong technical background to the position, but he also brings superb leadership skills and a strong moral code,” the statement reads. “[He]  dedicates himself to continuous learning for himself and all his staff. Beyond his long history of law enforcement service, Chief Dingfelder also volunteers on state and local boards and committees.”

In the statement, City Manager Heather Sanchez cited Dingfelder’s “knowledge and professionalism”, adding, “He continuously works for the best of the community and is gifted at bringing people and agencies together to tackle issues. That is exactly what we need for the complex, challenging issues we are working on.”

She then went on to acknowledge the contribution made by APD Captain Joey Spangler who served as Interim Police Chief after Anderson’s departure. “He has jumped in and made several changes to strengthen the Police Department and has ensured that service to the community remained a priority. His competency has allowed us to take our time with the process and to allow time for Chief Dingfelder to help the City of Monte Vista with

the transition.”

Dingfelder’s statement also acknowledged the years he has spent with MVPD. “I also greatly appreciate the citizens and the City of Monte Vista for the support they gave to me and the Monte Vista Police Department,” he said. “Over the past four years the Monte Vista Police Department has made significant impacts to the drug trade with a group of professional and well-trained officers who continue to make Monte Vista a safer community.”

Sanchez also thanked the members of the committee for all the work involved in interviewing and hiring a new Chief of Police.