MESA — Executive Assistant Chief Dan Butler has been appointed as the next Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department, City Manager Scott Butler announced this week. The appointment will take effect July 1, following the retirement of current Chief Ken Cost.
Chief Cost is stepping down after more than 30 years of service, and Dan Butler — a 25-year veteran of the department — will lead Mesa PD into its next chapter.
“Dan Butler represents the very best of the Mesa Police Department,” City Manager Scott Butler said. “His proven leadership, operational expertise, and deep community ties make him the ideal person to carry forward Chief Cost’s legacy.”
As Executive Assistant Chief, Butler has been responsible for overseeing the daily operations of nearly 1,500 personnel, including leadership of key support divisions like Human Resources, Communications, Training, and Financial Services. He also managed over $100 million in capital improvement projects for the department.
“I’m deeply honored by this appointment and the trust placed in me,” said Dan Butler. “Having served alongside the incredible men and women of this department for 25 years, I’m committed to advancing innovation, community engagement, and officer wellness while continuing to keep Mesa one of America’s safest cities.”
Butler previously led Mesa PD’s largest operational division — the Patrol Operations Bureau — which includes Central, Fiesta, Red Mountain, and Superstition patrol areas, as well as operations at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman praised the appointment, calling it “a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence and leadership from within.”
Chief Butler holds a Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University and is a graduate of multiple top-tier law enforcement leadership programs, including the FBI’s National Executive Institute and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He also serves on a committee with the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Despite sharing the same last name, City Manager Scott Butler and Chief Dan Butler are not related.
