ROBINSON, Texas — Update:
The City of Robinson announced that Danny Smith will be the Interim Police Chief to fill the recent vacancy from the departure of Chief Phillip Prasifka. Smith will serve as Interim Chief for the Robinson Police Department until the vacancy for the department is filled.
Smith is a retired Major from the Texas Department of Public Safety. He served 32 years with the agency. Shortly after he retired from DPS in 2003, he became the first person to serve as the director for the McLennan Community College Police Academy after the program was rebuilt in 2004. He also served as the Emergency Services Education Center division chair.
Smith is a decorated war veteran and supervised over 460 employees during his time with DPS. In 2019, Smith served as Interim Police Chief for the City of Bellmead for about six months.
“Major Smith came very highly recommended. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position which will benefit the members of our department. We think he’ll be a great fit for our community and are excited to welcome him as Interim Chief,” City Manager Craig Lemin said.
“It is an honor to be asked to fill this role following a Chief that was as well respected as Chief Prasifka. I am excited to have this opportunity to work with the officers, some I have known since my police academy days," Smith said.
Chief Smith’s first day with the department is set for August 24.
Chief Phillip Prasifka was with the department for almost three years. He left to serve as Police Chief for Red Oak ISD so he could be closer to family.
The City of Robinson announced Wednesday that Chief of Police Phillip Prasifka will spend his last day with the Robinson Police Department on Friday.
Prasifka has been with the department for nearly three years but will leave to join Red Oak Independent School District as their Chief of Police. This move will put him closer to his home and family, said a press release from the City of Robinson.
”It has been a privilege and honor to serve the community of Robinson. The support for law enforcement in this community is unbelievable. I want to thank the proud men and women who serve daily at the Robinson Police Department. I urge you to keep moving forward and remember that you are part of an honorable and noble calling. I wish the City of Robinson, the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Lemin, my fellow Directors, and the entire staff, the best of luck in the future,” Prasifka said.
During his time with the Police Department, he focused efforts on community policing, policies and departmental goals. Prasifka implemented many programs during his tenure, which include a quarterly Coffee with a Cop, providing a platform for the Community and Police Department to begin new and strengthen relationships and he restarted the Citizen’s Police Academy, the city said.
Prasifka has implemented many policies in alignment with the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition Program. He restarted the annual employee recognition program, enhanced equipment officers utilize in their daily duties, helped to improve benefits and began the program to provide each police officer a unique badge number, the city said.
The city will name an interim in the near future to fulfill the chief duties for the department while they search for a permanent replacement.
“I appreciate everything the Chief has accomplished during his tenure and wish him the very best in his new position,” City Manager Craig Lemin said.
The city will name an interim in the near future to fulfill the chief duties for the department while they search for a permanent replacement.
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