When Dan Brennan, this year's Carnation Festival count, moved to Wheat Ridge, he didn't have to go far. It was a short move from north Lakewood to south Wheat Ridge for the career law enforcement officer. In January of 2005, City Manager Randy Young chose Brennan from five finalists to be the Wheat Ridge Police Chief. While there is no requirement for city officials to live in Wheat Ridge, Brennan and his wife Mary chose to buy a home here. As Dan Said, "I know Wheat Ridge and always liked it here".

Although born in Salina, Kansas, where his father was stationed at Smokey Hill Air Force Base, the family always considered Colorado home. After high school, Brennan's family moved to Northglenn and shortly thereafter he enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Metro State College. Dan completed his degree in 3-1/2 years and was hired by the Lakewood Police Department where he stayed for 27 years, rising to the position of Commander. He pursued his Master's Degree at CU Denver, and was recognized as the outstanding student in the program upon graduation.

In 2004, the Lakewood Police Department loaned him to the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice where he was Director of the Colorado Regional Community Policing Institute, which developed and delivered community and law enforcement training programs and curriculum throughout the state. Dan and his wife, whom he met in college, have been married for 30 years and have 3 children. When Brennan was appointed the Wheat Ridge Police Chief he inherited a department that one elected official described as "frankly, a mess". In fairness, the 2002 downturn in the economy had forced all city departments into a basic service mode. In just a few short years Dan has been able to move the police department to a "community policing" approach to law enforcement and code compliance. Mayor Jerry DiTullio said, "Chief Brennan has brought many innovations and implemented programs that have benefited our city". Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stites said, "I think he has done a fantastic job in reorganizing the department.

His training programs and community outreach efforts have improved the effectiveness of our law enforcement". On being named Festival royalty, Brennan said: "I m very honored to be appointed Count after only being in this community for three years. It is very humbling to receive this recognition. I am struck by the participation of community members in Wheat Ridge compared to other municipalities in the metro area. You can go anywhere on 38th Avenue during the parade and see the city pride reflected through the community's participation".