Hereford looking for new police chief

Chief Brent Harrison
(City of Hereford)

HEREFORD, Texas — Hereford is looking for a new police chief.

Chief Brent Harrison retired Wednesday, ending a 35-year career in law enforcement.

City Manager Steve Bartels said Harrison -- who was police chief for the last 10-years -- worked with the city long enough to take early retirement.

Captain Kirsten Williams is the interim police chief.

The city will launch a statewide search and put together a pool of applicants to interview.

Bartels said there is not timeline at this point to announce a new chief.

Chief Harrison's Bio (City of Hereford website)

The Hereford Police Department is led by veteran officer Chief Brent Harrison. Chief Harrison has accrued more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. He has spent the entirety of his career serving the citizens of Hereford and Deaf Smith County, TX.

Chief Harrison is a lifelong resident of Hereford. He graduated from Hereford High School and later went on to obtain an Associates Degree from Amarillo College and a Bachelors Degree from West Texas A&M University. He began his career as a dispatcher with the Hereford Police Department, continued his career by attending the police academy and becoming a police officer. He grew through the ranks making Sergeant. Chief Harrison then ran for Sheriff of Deaf Smith County in 2000 and was elected into office. In September of 2012, Chief Harrison was hired by the City of Hereford to return to the Police Department as Chief of Police.

Chief Harrison has a Master Peace Officer Certificate and has obtained the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award. He is also a certified trainer and has worked in both a patrol and investigative capacity before advancing into administration. Chief Harrison also serves on the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy board.