Council hears public support for interim Police Chief Fales after police-chief item pulled

The Mesquite City Council pulled agenda item 6.3, which would have addressed direction on the Police Chief position, but allowed public comment on the topic during the meeting on June 24.

Multiple volunteers and community members used the public-comment period to express support for Interim Chief Fales. A volunteer identified as Cliff said continuity matters: he described an incident in which Interim Chief Fales, off duty, went to a fatal-accident scene to ensure proper handling and personally thanked volunteers afterward. “What I've seen in the past from my experience is there is a lot to be said for continuity,” Cliff said.

Jean Battaglia, identified as a current and former volunteer coordinator, said Interim Chief Fales “is very competent, he is very fair, he knows his officers and he would be an asset to the community and to the department.” Council did not take action on the item; the council chair reiterated the item had been pulled from consideration but that public comment would be allowed.

No formal vote or direction on the Police Chief position was recorded during the meeting; the item remained off the council’s formal agenda for action. Members of the public and department volunteers urged the council to consider continuity and departmental knowledge in any future decision about permanent appointment.