From left to right: Commander Marion Penn celebrates his retirement with his wife and three children. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

A standing-room crowd greeted Commander Marion Penn at the Denver Police District 5 station in Montbello, where he has been a leader since 2022. Inspirational, humble, a great mentor, and friend were words used to describe the man everyone in the room came to see.

Penn’s wife, children, and grandchildren were all by his side at his retirement party celebrating a career at DPD for more than 33 years, from his first shift on Nov. 16,1992, to his last on Dec. 10, 2025. He had asked that the ceremony be kept short so he could meet and greet his friends, but they first wanted to take the time to thank him.

“We’re so happy for the [DPD] retirees and so happy for the families,” said longtime friend Deputy Chief Aaron Sanchez. “But this one is not exciting for me and [not] really for a lot of us here. We’ve worked together; we’ve worked apart. We’ve had the same ranks. We have different ranks, but all the while, you were there, and for a lot of us, you are just that strength of family.”

Commander Marion Penn celebrated the end of a 33 year career with DPD.

Commander Kim Bowers talked about Penn’s “work ethic, through leading by example, and through the countless lives that he has impacted along the way, not just in the job that he did, but in how he did it.”

Bowers told the story of a recent off-duty assignment with Penn at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, where he spent time helping a woman find her car in a parking lot. It was an example of Penn just “doing the right thing,” she said.

Penn’s work in the department extended deep into northeast Denver, from Northfield and Quebec Square to Montbello. In a video, business and community leaders thanked him for his support over the years.

Kids from the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club in Montbello signed a colorful banner that hung at the back of the meeting room. Penn worked with the organization to help create better relationships with officers, said Malcinia Conley, who works with the club. “He starts when they’re young, so as they grow older, they’re not afraid of the police officers. He’ll make sure that his police officers come by and play some games with our kids or if there are any events.”

Children from the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club created a banner for Penn.
Front Porch photo by Linda Kotsaftis

Conley added that she could look around the room and see adults who have grown up through the retiring commander’s leadership.

Penn said he had a lot of people to thank for their support, including lieutenants, district commanders, and others he worked with over the years. “You have people who work with you and support you,” he said. “They have your best interests at heart.”

Penn added a “shout out” to his wife, who has been with him the entire way.

A street sign with his name, the gift of a samurai sword, and a Dallas Cowboys book and jersey were presented to Penn by colleagues who had become friends.

“Although everybody in here could speak for hours about your leadership ability, your ability as a police officer, and everything you’ve done for this community, the biggest thing I want to say about you is who you are as a person. I’m proud to call you a friend,” said Lt. Kevin Hines.

Before joining DPD, Penn served as a law enforcement specialist in the U.S. Air Force. During his career in Denver, he worked with the Gang and Juvenile units, Internal Affairs, and as a training officer.

His work in the future will involve spending time with his family and friends.