Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Braunfels council unanimously confirms and swears in new police chief
Summary
On Feb. 24 the New Braunfels City Council confirmed the city manager’s appointment of a new chief of police and administered the oath of office; council voted 6-0 and no members of the public spoke on the item.
The New Braunfels City Council confirmed the city manager’s appointment of the chief of police and swore the appointment into office during its Feb. 24 meeting, with a unanimous 6-0 vote and no public speakers on the item.
City leaders said the department conducted a multi-stage selection process that produced a final appointment. According to the presentation to council, the recruitment yielded 39 initial inquiries; 18 candidates submitted screening videos. Two review panels—one made up of sworn and civilian members of the police department and the other of human resources, fire and city administration staff—reviewed submissions and provided input to the city manager before the appointment was made.
The council opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak, then approved the appointment. "Council member Edwards moves to approve. Council member Lebowski seconds. All in favor, raise your right hand. Motion carries unanimously," the meeting record shows. The council’s roll call at the start of the meeting indicated six members present.
After the vote the new chief was sworn in and addressed the council and audience. In his remarks he thanked city leadership, family and members of the department, and pledged to emphasize community policing, wellness, and technology. "I will lead through humility, integrity, honor, and faith to cultivate a cohesive team focused on our mission to serve," the chief told the council and the audience. He publicly acknowledged Assistant Chief David Blevins, who had served as interim chief, and noted the retirement of Chief Keith Lane after 37 years of service.
Mayor Neil Leonards and other council members praised the department for its internal review and outreach during the selection. The mayor’s introductory remarks noted broad interest from inside and outside the department during the recruitment process.
Council did not attach conditions to the appointment. The chief’s remarks indicated plans to strengthen regional partnerships, focus on officer wellness and training, and continue community engagement and problem‑solving policing.
The department will proceed under the new chief’s leadership; no further formal council action on the appointment was scheduled at the time of the meeting.
