SAFFORD — The recruitment of a new Police Chief for the City of Safford is down to two candidates, and the city is hosting a meet and greet for the public to learn more about the men.
Finalists for the job are Safford Police Captain Brian Avila and University of Arizona Police Assistant Chief Jason Brei.
The meet and greet with the two candidates will take place Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m., in the programming room of the Safford Library.
Avila has been in law enforcement for 22 years, starting his career in his hometown of Clifton. In 2006, he moved to the Safford Police Department, rising through the ranks until 2020, when he was promoted to captain.
Avila holds an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice from EAC, and Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University. He has also attended the FBI LEEDA Program for Command Leadership, and the Arizona Leadership Program.
Brei has a 26-year career in law enforcement, starting as a deputy with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. In 2000, he made the move to the University of Arizona Police Department, rising through the ranks.
Brei holds a Master of Administration in Public Management and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, both from Northern Arizona University. He also completed the FBI National Academy in 2010.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:26 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, correcting the number of years Brei has been in law enforcement.
