Chris Roark, croark@cherryroad.com

Waxahachie’s next police chief is no stranger to local residents.

In fact, it would be hard to find someone who knows the city any better than he does.

Tuesday the Waxahachie City Council approved the naming of Joe Wiser as the next police chief. Wiser replaces Wade Goolsby, who will retire at the end of September.

City Manager Michael Scott made the selection and said given Wiser’s history with the city it was an easy choice.

Wiser, who most recently has served as assistant police chief, has been with the Waxahachie Police Department for almost 32 years.  

He has also worked in the patrol division, criminal investigations division, communications division and other ancillary functions. 

“One of the great things Wade has done as police chief is creating a strong culture and a great secession plan in his department,” Scott said. “So as we’re looking to replace him I really had to look no further than within the walls of the Waxahachie PD.”

In a memo to the council Scott said key factors he looked at included the current state and morale of the department, desired direction for the department and the needs of the community as it relates to policing.

After the council’s vote Wiser thanked the council and the city staff for naming him police chief.

“To say I’m humbled would be a tremendous understatement,” Wiser said. “I’m humbled to my core. To say that I’m honored would be insufficient. I am both honored and blessed beyond what I could ever imagine.”

Wiser said he will continue making the WPD a strong department.

“I pledge to each of you now that I will work hard to make you feel that that support was never given in vain,” Wiser said.

He added, “I also pledge to the citizens of Waxahachie my continued efforts to ensure they receive both excellent services, along with my pledge for their protection.”

He also credited the staff at the WPD.

“I want each of them to know that I have never been more honored to serve in this capacity, alongside the greatest group of individuals to ever wear the Waxahachie badge,” Wiser said.

Wiser has a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Dallas Baptist University and is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration Command College. He also has his Master Certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

“He’s a great colleague and servant professional in his field,” Scott said. “Since announcing my section of Joe as the police chief I have received a number of responses from not only colleagues of his but also staff members and even folks from outside the city have contacted me to say, ‘great choice.’”

Goolsby also thanked the council, the staff and the city for their support in his seven-and-a-half years with the department. Goolsby retires after 42 years in law enforcement.

“I leave in a way that not a lot of police chiefs get to leave,” Goolsby said. “First, I had the luxury of working in a great department. Second, I had the luxury of working with a great council, council members before you, all during my tenure with such great support. Not only from you guys but from the community. We have support here that’s rare throughout the country. Now I get the luxury of leaving at a high point. The department is in a great place, and I get to leave on my terms.”

Goolsby said he’s confident the department is in good hands with Wiser leading the way.

“I can leave knowing that Joe will do a great job,” Goolsby said. “I had the luxury of having two assistant chiefs, both who are qualified to be chiefs anywhere in this country,” Goolsby said. “That makes my job really easy.

“He’s going to do a fantastic job,” Goolsby said. “He’s part of this community. He’s got more invested in it than anybody in the department.”

As for Goolsby’s impact on the department …

“What a legacy,” Wiser said. “What large shoes to fill.”