After an eight-month independent investigation into the City of Mesa’s Park Ranger unit, officials are taking disciplinary action in response to findings of misconduct. The external review found that three park rangers with supervisory duties violated city workplace policies, including misuse of authority, noncompliance with regulations, inappropriate conduct in the workplace, insufficient documentation, and repeated disregard for directives.
Upon receiving the investigation report from law firm Pierce Coleman, the city began proceedings to dismiss Rangers Charles Miller and Brandon Montez. Both resigned before their dismissal hearings. Ranger Joshua Amado also resigned prior to his own termination hearing on April 28, following a police investigation into alleged possession of a stolen firearm.
Mayor Mark Freeman stated: “Our community’s trust matters, and the results of this investigation are unacceptable and do not reflect the values or expectations of the City of Mesa. Our priority now is rebuilding that trust and ensuring our Park Ranger program meets the high standards our community expects.”
The report also concluded that Park Ranger unit supervisor Brett Burton, Parks Department Director Andrea Moore, and Deputy Director Aimee Manis failed to follow city directives and did not act on concerns raised by Mesa Police and management. Both Moore and Manis retired after receiving the report’s findings; Burton retired in October while on administrative leave.
City Manager Scott Butler said: “Mesa took this matter seriously from day one. This investigation made clear that a few bad actors within the Park Ranger unit violated city policies and oversight systems needed to be stronger. Mesa is committed to full transparency, to learning from these findings and to ensuring our parks are supported by a unit that operates lawfully, respectfully and in service to our community.”
The probe was initiated after a newly hired park ranger reported finding an unreported firearm in a supervisor’s desk as well as observing inappropriate language and unauthorized activities such as late-night ride-alongs. The employee also reported possible improper handling of evidence. These concerns were formally brought forward on April 11, leading to immediate notification of police and Human Resources.
Since then, command over the Park Ranger Unit has shifted from Parks & Recreation to the Mesa Police Department for improved supervision. Six rangers were placed on administrative leave during the process; four have since resigned along with supervisor Brett Burton.
Currently, six active park rangers remain under police department oversight. Their roles focus on opening and closing parks and facilities while undergoing training in de-escalation tactics, search procedures, seizure protocols, and bias awareness.
Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler commented: “There are clear and important distinctions between the roles of police officers and park rangers. Operating under the oversight of the Mesa Police Department, Park Rangers will focus on enforcing park code and engaging parkgoers to improve their experience across all our cherished green spaces. The acts of misconduct were isolated to a few bad actors. We are providing current and future unit members with training so they can rise to the occasion and restore public trust.”
Police officials have met with local stakeholders for input as they work toward introducing changes for public engagement in coming weeks.
The city will begin recruiting for a new director for Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities (PRCF). During this period, Andrea Alicoate will serve as acting director.
