Weatherford council appoints Jason Hayes as chief of police, administers oath

The Weatherford City Council voted unanimously Monday to appoint Jason Hayes as the city’s chief of police and administered his oath of office at a special meeting held April 14 at 5 p.m.

Council members moved into an executive session earlier in the meeting under a personnel provision the council cited as "section 5 5 1 0 7 4." After returning to open session, Mayor Pro Tem Wilder made a motion "to approve the appointment of Jason Hayes to the position of chief of police," which Councilmember Luke Williams seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and council members invited the city manager and Hayes to the front for the oath.

The appointment followed the council’s executive-session consideration of the chief of police position. The council did not disclose deliberations from the closed session; the council cited the personnel provision when moving into executive session. City officials then administered the official oath of office to Jason Hayes, who introduced family members and spoke to the room.

"This community means everything to me," Hayes said after being sworn in, and described himself as a longtime resident who grew up in the area and has spent decades in local law enforcement.

Council members said they planned a meet-and-greet event for Hayes following the formal approval; the council said that event will be scheduled after the appointment. The meeting record shows all council members were present for the special session and the vote.

The special session concluded shortly after the oath; the council recessed with an announcement that the meeting was adjourned at 5:11 p.m.