Tempe’s Chief Ryff honored for efforts promoting diversity

Tempe Chief of Police Tom Ryff has been
selected to receive a Friend of NOBLE
Award from the National Organization of
Black Law Enforcement Executives.
The award recognizes leaders who have
demonstrated service as highly competent public
servants at the forefront of providing solutions for
law enforcement issues
and concerns in the
community.
Emphasis is placed
on choosing a leader who
exemplifies a commitment
to diversity and the
community.
Chief Patrick Melvin,
Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community chief
of police who also is
affiliated with the NOBLE
organization’s executive
leadership, was due to present the award at the
March 20 Tempe City Council meeting.
Representatives from the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People, including the
Rev. Oscar Tillman, NAACP chapter president, and
members of the Tempe History Museum’s African
American Advisory Committee were scheduled to
attend.
Police Cmdr. Andre Anderson, NOBLE executive
board member, called the award a deserved
recognition for Ryff’s guidance.
“Chief Ryff has consistently demonstrated
leadership and dedication to creating an environment
where inclusiveness and transparency are a
fundamental part of the decision-making process
in resolving challenges facing our community and
region.”