Chavez named Chief of Police in Poteet





Poteet Municipal Judge Rosalinda DeLa Fuente administors the oath to newly hired Chief of Police Martin Chavez.

Poteet Municipal Judge Rosalinda DeLa Fuente administors the oath to newly hired Chief of Police Martin Chavez.


Martin Chavez, was the City Council’s top pick of 20 candidates vying for the position of Poteet Chief of Police. The Poteet City Council appointed Chavez on April 2nd with his first day at his new post April 5th.

Chavez stated that his vision for Poteet as it relates to law enforcement is community first. “One thing I want to emphasize is community in our city. My officers will know that we are public servants for the people first and foremost. I plan to run my department with the assistance from the community,” Chief Chavez added

Chief Chavez has 17 years of law enforcement experience including a post as Chief of Police in Somerset from 2009-2010. He also held law enforcement positions at San Antonio Health Department, San Antonio Environmental Crimes, the City of Kirby, Harlandale ISD and Poteet. Chavez, who has been a patrolman in Poteet for the past two years, earned a Bachelors Degree from San Angelo State, a Graduate Degree from Texas A& M-Kingsville and a Master Peace Officer License.

A special committee was appointed to review the 20 candidates and cull them down to two to be presented to the Poteet City Council for a vote. “We had a committee which consisted of City Councilmen Denise Sanchez and Gerald Herrera along with citizen Candy Cantu. I think they interviewed about five candidates out of the 20 and presented the council with two finalists,” stated Sisnero. Poteet Councilman Larry Cantu, Raymond Leal and Denise Sanchez voted in favor of Chavez as Gerard Herrera and Jesse Sisnero abstained.

On Monday, April 9th Poteet Municipal Court Judge Rosalinda DeLaFuente hosted a small swearing in ceremony in which Chavez was officially named the Chief of Police of Poteet.

“I have been here as a patrolman for two years. When the vacancy came open, I was interested and applied. One thing that I love about Poteet is it is a close knit community. I feel right at home here,” stated Chief Chavez.

Chief Chavez takes over for interim Police Chief Frank Leal who will remain with the department but return to his post as an investigator. Leal had served as interim for the city since last May after former Chief John Overstreet resigned.


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