Media Release
Monday, February 19, 2007
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City begins statewide search for new police chief
City Manager Claude King announced today that a statewide search for the city’s next police chief will begin this week.
“The position of police chief is a critical one in the municipal structure,” King said. “While I am confident that we have strong internal candidates, I believe we must conduct a thorough search to ensure we are getting the best person for the department and the community.”
King said the recruitment process will be conducted by city staff, with applications accepted through March 16. The city expects to receive a number of quality applicants due to Lewisville’s positive reputation in the law enforcement community. The goal is to complete the search and make a job offer as early as mid-April.
Assistant Police Chief Russell Kerbow will serve as interim chief effective March 1. He also is considered a candidate for the permanent position. Current Police Chief Steve McFadden, who has held the position since 1977, announced his retirement last fall effective Feb. 28.
“When you have the type of stability we have had over the last 29 years in the organization, this type of change can potentially be stressful for the department. Making the decision in a timely manner is important,” McFadden said.
McFadden provided leadership for nearly three decades to a department that grew from approximately 27 sworn officers in 1977 to a force of 136 sworn officers today. He will retire with more than 38 years in municipal service, including stints in Carrollton, Paris, Bonham and DeSoto. McFadden served as chief of a police department for 34 of his 38½ years of municipal service.
Kerbow has been with the Lewisville Police Department since May 1978 and has served in a variety of roles including patrol, criminal investigations and support services. He currently holds the rank of assistant police chief overseeing records and property room operations, emergency communications and jail operations.
“I was raised in Lewisville,” said Kerbow, who is a member of the Lewisville High School Hall of Fame among other community honors. “I am dedicated to this department and this community and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
