Jonathan Lindsey sworn in as Wichita Falls’ 23rd police chief

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The Wichita Falls Police Department is under new leadership after the City Council unanimously confirmed Jonathan Lindsey as the city’s 23rd police chief.

Lindsey was one of four finalists considered during the city’s search for a new chief. As part of that process, the city asked residents for their input through a FlashVote survey, where citizens overwhelmingly favored hiring the new chief from within the department.

Lindsey now oversees a department with up to 203 sworn officers and has become the 23rd chief in a history that dates back to 1891.

Lindsey has been with the WFPD for 25 years and has served in several divisions, including patrol, crimes against persons, the Gang Task Force and SWAT. He has also held several leadership positions within the department.

The appointment was made official when the City Council approved Lindsey’s appointment. Shortly afterward, Lindsey took the oath of office.

Lindsey said the ceremony was an emotional moment for him, especially when his son pinned his badge on him.

“I can tell you I ran the full gamut of emotions this morning. No matter how strong of a man that you think you are, when your son in his Air Force blues pins your badge on, that’s pretty special,” Lindsey said.

As he begins his tenure as chief, Lindsey said he hopes to help move the department into the future by working closely with his officers and the community.

“I’m looking forward to opportunities for innovation in different areas and how we can modernize things. And I look forward to working with our officers and seeing what their ideas are and looking forward to working with the community on what their ideas are and how we might make changes in the future or better serve our citizens,” Lindsey said.

While Lindsey said he’s not thinking about retirement anytime soon, he hopes the decisions he makes as chief will help lay the foundation for the next generation of Wichita Falls law enforcement.

“I hope one day, I guess far in the future, when I’m long gone, that I’ve set it up to where excellent leadership comes through to carry on in the future. And maybe one day when people see my picture on the wall mixed up with all the other former chiefs that they go, hey, that guy got us here. That’s what I hope for,” Lindsey said.

During the City Council meeting, city leaders also recognized interim Police Chief Mitch Bates for his five months of service to the community with a proclamation.

Lindsey said he is looking forward to continuing the work of the department and expanding its relationship with the Wichita Falls community.