The Salt River Police Department has promoted Walter Holloway, an 18-year veteran of the department and a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member, to the post of police chief following the recent retirement of Chief Karl Auerbach.

Holloway was most recently a commander for the SRPD after serving in a variety of roles for the department since starting his career in the Community in 2005. He said those previous roles have shaped his approach to policing and leadership.

“It’s an honor to be the chief of the Salt River Police Department. This is something I have worked for my entire career in policing,” said Holloway. “This means the Community has the trust in me to lead the department and be both responsive and respectful to the Community.”

Holloway said his philosophy centers around promoting collaboration and Community-oriented policing in the department. “I believe in building a strong relationship with the Community and working together to address issues effectively,” said Holloway. “Going forward, I see the department as one that embraces technology and innovation to enhance our police efforts. We will continue to prioritize professional development for our officers, ensuring they have the equipment, knowledge and skills to better serve the Community.”

SRPD Lt. Forest Wood has known Chief Holloway for most of his life, attending Webster Elementary, Carson Junior High and graduating from Westwood High School together. They even played basketball together as teenagers.

“[Holloway] was very good at defense and rebounding,” recalled Wood. “He enjoys sports. You can ask him about any player on any team and he could tell you all about them.”

Wood has confidence that Holloway will focus on building a stronger relationship between the SRPD and Community members.

SRPD Sgt. Christopher Davis shares a similar sentiment, saying that he only sees positivity and growth within the SRPD under Holloway’s leadership.

“What I look forward to in regard to Chief Holloway’s leadership is nothing more than how he has carried himself since I met him in 2005,” said Davis. “Chief Holloway is a direct, hardworking, responsible and honest person who will not shy away from telling you the truth even if it is something you do not want to hear, which I believe are qualities that are needed in law enforcement.”

Davis reminisced about when he and Holloway were both hired together, and both were asked about what their future goals were while working for the SRPD. Holloway said at the time that he would someday like to become chief of the SRPD.

“I also remember Holloway saying that after he retires, he would like to work towards becoming the president of his Community,” said Davis. “It is pretty awesome to think about him making that statement way back in August of 2005 and seeing where he is now in 2024. I have no doubt that if he decides to, he will become president as well.”

Chief Holloway said that he is very approachable and committed to serving the Community with integrity and compassion.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead our department into the future,” said Holloway.