Chief Brian Avila has served with the Safford Police Department for over 18 years.  Prior to that, he served in his hometown with the Clifton AZ Police Department for nearly 6 years.

Chief Avila was appointed as Chief of Police in 2023 and is the first Latino to serve in this position in the Department’s history.  Prior to his appointment, Chief Avila served in several areas of the Department to include Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Police Captain, Special Response Team, Field Training Officer, and Honor Guard.  

Chief Avila has an associate degree in administration of justice from Eastern Arizona College, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Bellevue University, graduate of the Arizona Leadership Program, and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI LEEDA) Trilogy.

Chief Avila is an active member in many community events.  He has been a certified sports official with the Arizona Interscholastic Association for the past 25 years and continues to referee high school and youth sports.

Chief Avila is married to his wife Jamie and together they have 3 children and one granddaughter.