WACO, Texas — After 43 years of dedicated service, Waco Assistant Police Chief Frank Gentsch is retiring.
In recognition of Gentsch's remarkable career, the Waco City Council declared June 27, 2024 as “Assistant Chief Frank Gentsch Day.”
The Waco Police Department said Gentsch started his law enforcement career as a police cadet for the City of Waco in 1980. He served in numerous roles, including patrol officer, detective and commander.
On June 19, 1982, Gentsch was critically injured when a "suspicious person" shot him twice behind the downtown bus station. Gentsch returned to duty later that year.
Gentsch was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2008, and also took on several interim chief roles, concluding his career as the assistant chief of the Investigations Command.
An alumnus of the Waco Police Academy, Gentsch also graduated from the 36th Management College of the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, the 214th session of the FBI National Academy, and the 47th Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Unit Commander Academy. He holds an honors degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement from McLennan County Community College.
Chief Gentsch’s awards include a Law Enforcement Commendation from the Sons of the American Revolution, a Certificate of Commendation from the American Legion, a Police Shield, the Life Saving Award, a Meritorious Unit Award, the Presidential Protection Commendation, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices Recognition Award. He is also an active member of several law enforcement associations.