Portland’s top public safety official will leave city government later this month, prompting a national search for new leadership overseeing the city’s police, fire, emergency communications, and community safety operations.
City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III announced Tuesday that Deputy City Administrator Bob Cozzie will step down from his role overseeing Portland’s Public Safety Service Area on May 18 after nearly a year in the position.
Cozzie, who previously served seven years as director of the Bureau of Emergency Communications, has spent more than three decades in public service.
“Portland is safer because Bob Cozzie has dedicated his career to public service,” Lee said. “I know our staff and community members join me in thanking him for his leadership.”
Lee said he will directly oversee the city’s public safety portfolio during the transition while launching a national search for Cozzie’s replacement. The process will include input from city council members, city employees, and community partners.
The next deputy city administrator for public safety will oversee one of the city’s largest and most visible service areas, including the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, the Bureau of Emergency Communications, emergency management operations, and community safety programs.
Under Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, the public safety portfolio would include more than 2,200 employees and manage an estimated $611 million budget.
The service area also oversees broader violence prevention and emergency preparedness initiatives that city leaders say are central to ongoing efforts to reduce crime and improve public confidence in safety throughout Portland.
“Safety is the foundation for Portland’s future. It’s vital to building the clean, green, affordable, and activated city we envision,” Lee said. “We are committed to bringing in a leader who cares about our community, supports our staff, and helps make our city safe for all.”
The transition comes as Portland continues to face ongoing public scrutiny around crime, emergency response times, homelessness, and downtown recovery efforts, all of which have placed increased attention on city leadership and public safety operations.
As one of four deputy city administrators, the role is considered a key leadership position within Portland’s new city government structure.
According to the city, the salary range for the position is between $216,715 and $325,062 annually. Cozzie will receive a severance payment of $275,808.
