The Town of Fountain Hills is announcing a law enforcement leadership change with who is overseeing the Fountain Hills District of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
First, the Town wants to extend the utmost appreciation to Captain Larry Kratzer, who has overseen the Fountain Hills MCSO District for the past six years. With his leadership, Fountain Hills has remained among the very safest communities in the state. Residents have often seen him throughout the community as well as at Town Council meetings providing updates and information on public safety.
“There are so many things about working in the Town that I'm going to miss, but nothing more than the people,” said Captain Kratzer. “Fountain Hills is an amazing community and I wish everyone the very best moving forward.”
Captain Kratzer is moving within MCSO to take on new challenges and further build his career, as is typical in these roles. He will move to an assignment in the Judicial Enforcement Division.
“I want to thank Captain Kratzer for his terrific service to our community and congratulate him on his new role within MCSO,” said Town Manager Rachael Goodwin. “While he will be deeply missed, we look forward to new partnerships that will help keep our community at the forefront of public safety.”
Captain Kratzer is helping with the transition of the role, which is now filled by Captain Kevin Thomas. Captain Thomas has been with MCSO since 1999 and has successfully served the agency in a wide-range of roles, including in general crimes, in the Special Investigations Division focused on drug and narcotics enforcement, administrative assignments and on multiple state and federal task forces.
"I am thrilled to join the Fountain Hills community and look forward to connecting with residents and helping keep this a premier and safe destination to live, work and visit," said Captain Thomas.
Captain Thomas knows the importance of strong relationships between the community and law enforcement, having witnessed first hand the public safety benefits of those connections. Captain Thomas is excited for this chance to serve and integrate with the Town and people of Fountain Hills, as he not only wants to be a part of it, but more importantly, contribute to it.
The official handoff in the role occurred on Monday, March 3rd.