(HOBBS, NM.) - The town known for oil and gas production is looking for a new police chief.
The city is holding a meet and greet with three finalists on Apr. 7 the community can attend according to the City of Hobbs Facebook account. Candidates will share their background with the community and mingle.
“This is a valuable opportunity for our residents to meet the three finalists for the HPD Police Chief position in a casual, accessible setting,” the Facebook post states.
Finalists include acting Chief of Police Wade Lyons, David Franklin and Richard Velasquez.
Lyons has over two decades of experience in public safety, leadership, crisis communication and incident management, according to his LinkedIn. Lyons career in public safety began in 2006.
Franklin spent 25 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety and spent six months as assistant police chief for the University of Texas at Arlington.
Velasquez is a retired deputy chief from Illinois employed by the University of Chicago Police Department.
Former police chief August Fons retired on Dec. 31, leaving a void at the position. Fons was introduced as the new police chief in April 2022.
Fons served as a trainer at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico State Police.
OpGov.News was able to get more information regarding the police search from Hobbs Marketing Coordinator Communications Chad Littlejohn.
Littlejohn stated that the search for a police chief started before Fons' retirement, and the city decided to use a professional recruitment firm to assist in filling the position.
Littlejohn informed OpGov. News that the selection process began with 22 applicants from across the nation. Applicants were reduced to 9 semi-finalists, before a cut down to three finalists.
The new police chief is supposed to keep the city safe and care for the community.
“The Police Chief works closely with citizen groups, public and private officials, and outside agencies,” Littlejohn said. “From a community perspective, the police chief is essential in maintaining community trust and building relationships. Currently, the new incoming Police Chief will be essential in the development of new public safety initiatives, such as the Hobbs
Community Safety program, designed to allocate available resources to assist with mental health interactions.”
OpGov.News also reached out to Hobbs Police Captain Ricky Guerrero for comment.
Interviews with the finalists are expected to take place this week. There isn’t a set date for the announcement of the new police chief.
The Hobbs Police Department was established in 1907 by James Isaac Hobbs, and 25 police chiefs have served the city of Hobbs.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earthorg
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