The city of Waco has announced the recommendation of Assistant Police Chief Ryan Holt as the new Waco Police Chief, according to city officials. Chris Rogers talked to Holt today.
Holt was recommended after an extensive five-month search that included 83 candidates submitted by the nation search firm, Slavin Management Consultants.
His recommendation will go to the City Council at its next meeting on December 20 for ratification.
Holt served as Interim Chief after Chief Brent Stroman retired at the end of his 39-year career of service with the Waco Police Department on July 31, 2016
The city narrowed down to three finalist this week, including with Waco Assistant Police Chief, Frank Gentsch and Austin Assistant Police Chief, Troy Gay.
City Manager Dale Fissler said Chief Stroman developed a strong leadership team that provided two exceptional candidates that clearly rose to the top of our extensive selection process.
“We are fortunate to have had Interim Chief Gentsch lead the department during this process and have had two internal candidates, each capable of continuing the strong leadership of the department,” he said. “Ryan has served in every division of Waco PD and will make a great Chief.”
Holt began his law enforcement career with Waco PD as a police officer in 1996. He advanced steadily through the ranks and because Assistant Chief of Police in 2008.
According to Missie Pusejovsky, city of Waco HR Director, candidates were interviewed by two panels.
“One panel was comprised of the City Manager, Deputy City Manager and the three Assistant City Managers,” she said. “The other panel was comprised of six Department Directors including the Fire Chief and a representative from the Police Association.”
Community and business leaders were also involved in the selection process.
The City Council will consider Fisseler’s recommendation to ratify his selection of Holt at the December 20 Council meeting.