See a video introduction of police chief finalists in Lubbock

 

Lubbock announced four finalists in the search for a new chief of police on April 15, holding a public reception for them Thursday evening.

Use the video player to see questions and answers with each.

The department has been under the command of interim chief Gregory Rushin since September. The previous chief, Floyd Mitchell, resigned after news reports about problems with the department’s handling of 9-1-1 calls.

The city manager must get ratification by the City Council before hiring a new chief. The following are the names and brief descriptions of each finalist provided by the city.

Chief Glen Fowler. Fowler serves as the chief of police & assistant vice president of the Methodist Health System, Dallas. Fowler began his career in Lubbock rising to the rank of captain in the Lubbock Police Department, then serving as deputy chief for the Allen Police Department and chief for the Watauga Police Department prior to joining the Methodist Health System Police Department.

Chief Seth Herman of Midland. Herman began his career with the Midland Police Department as a patrol officer and has served as the chief of police since 2018. He has 28 years of service to the Midland Police Department.

Deputy Chief Kenneth Myers of the Allen Police Department. Myers served as police officer/detective for the Trophy Club, Westlake Department of Public Safety before joining the Allen Police Department in 2000. Myers became deputy chief over the Patrol Services Division in Allen in 2020.

Deputy Chief/First Deputy Chief Michael Smathers of Albuquerque, N.M. Smathers served the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for 25 years, rising to the rank of major before joining the Albuquerque Police Department as its first outside deputy chief in 2019. Smathers currently serves as a deputy chief/first deputy chief.

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Author: James Clark- James Clark is the associate editor of Lubbock Lights. He worked in radio, television and digital media for a combined total of more than 30 years. He was Director of Digital News Content at KAMC, KLBK and EverythingLubbock.com for nearly 10 years.