By Allan Jamail
Galena Park, TX. – February 23, 2018 – Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya gave the oath of office to Richard Gonzales as Galena Park’s new police chief.
Interim Police Chief Reese Martin resigned after 11 months as acting Chief in order to take a job in Montana as Emergency Management Director. Martin said his moving will put him with his family and allow him to pursue his goal of working in the field of Emergency Management.
Richard “Rick” Gonzales was born and raised in Houston’s Denver Harbor. He began his law enforcement career in 1982 as a Deputy Reserve Officer for Constable Precinct 6 until 1984 when he became a Houston police officer until he retired with 30 years of service. He’s worked in the anti-gang division, patrol division and before HISD had their own police force he worked in the schools and focused on reducing truancy, drug use and gang activity. His last 2 years he worked in the Homeland Security Division.
Chief Gonzales said, “My vision is to make the community and schools safe for the kids and to have a good relationship with the Galena Park citizens. I want to make sure the police officers are well trained and have the resources they need to give the city the best police protection possible.”