Jeff Pridgett has been officially appointed as Police Chief for the Town of Marana by Town Manager Terry Rozema, effective this December. Pridgett previously served the Town as Police Captain. He will fill the position previously held by Reuben Nunez.

“Jeff has proven himself to be a strong leader and a consummate professional,” said Rozema. “His reputation within the department and throughout the organization and community is top shelf. I have great confidence in his abilities to lead the men and women of the MPD and to continue to elevate the culture of the organization and the service to our community. This is a big deal for the Town, as Jeff will be the first home grown law enforcement professional to assume the position of Chief of Police for the Town of Marana. I am thrilled for him, his family and the Town, and I look forward to watching him and his staff continue to take public safety in Marana to new heights.”

Pridgett has over twenty years of experience at the Marana Police Department. He began his career in 2003 and has worked in various areas throughout the agency. As an officer, he served as a School Resource Officer at the Marana Middle School and as a Motor Officer in the Traffic Unit. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and held assignments within the Training Unit, the Criminal Investigations Unit, and the Office of Professional Standards. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and was assigned to the Field Services Division as a patrol commander. In 2021, he was promoted to Captain and served as the Field Services Division commander until July 2022. In July 2022, he was reassigned and currently serves as the Support Services Division commander.

Pridgett is a native of Marana, AZ. He received his primary and secondary education through the Marana Unified School District, graduating from Marana High School in 1995. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2000. Pridgett is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command, and has completed the foundations in Public Sector Leadership and the Southwest Leadership Program through the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management.

“I am honored to be selected as the Chief of Police for the Town of Marana,” said Pridgett. “I grew up in Marana and I have been extremely fortunate to serve my community for over 20 years. I am humbled and excited to continue serving this great community and the phenomenal men and women in this organization as the Chief of Police.”

Pridgett is scheduled to attend session 288 of the FBI National Academy in September through December 2023. Captain Roberto Jiminez will serve as Acting Chief until Pridgett returns from the FBI National Academy in December.