New Leadership Takes The Helm as Three Police Lieutenants Promote To Rank of Deputy Police Chief
A new legacy of leaders moved up the ranks of the Arlington Police Department this morning to join the police executive staff. Three police lieutenants became deputy police chiefs today during a promotion ceremony attended by families, friends, community partners, and fellow officers at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse. Deputy Police Chiefs Jeff Matthews, Leland Strickland and Os Flores bring a variety of experiences and knowledge to the police command staff.
Starting Monday, the three new deputy police chiefs will begin their new assignments. Deputy Chief Matthews will head the West District. Deputy Chief Strickland will manage the North District. Deputy Chief Os Flores will supervise the East District.
Arlington Police Chaplain Harold Elliott began the ceremony reminding these leaders to keep the emphasis on life's priorities as they take on new supervisor roles in the department. That means recognizing family first and leading by example.
"The issue is not whether you influence someone but what type of influence you will be,' Chaplain Elliott said.
Acting Police Chief Will Johnson told the group that their legacy and the legacy of their fellow officers are reflected in their actions. "We represent families, commitment, community and every officer who wears the uniform. The responsibility of this office requires that you commit yourself to do what is right for the community."
If their history is any indication, these three Deputy Chiefs reflect a promising future.
Deputy Chief Matthews, who has been with APD for 27 years, coordinated the first North District Citizens On Patrol program and established the Police Front Desk Volunteer program. Over the years, Chief Matthews has worked in Patrol, the Warrant Unit, in Homeland Security/Special Events and Special Operations. He has also been a field training officer of new recruits, and training coordinator. Chief Matthews has been honored as the Supervisor of the Year, received the Distinguished Service Award, Life Saving Award, and 25-year Service Award. Chief Matthews received a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement/Police Science from Sam Houston State University.
Deputy Chief Strickland has been an officer with APD for 16 years. He has received the esteemed awards of Rookie of the Year and Supervisor of the Year, in addition to receiving the Distinguished Service Award and 15-year Service Award. Chief Strickland has worked in Patrol, Internal Affairs, the South Cooper Street Retail Special District, Training, Personnel & Recruiting, Homeland Security/Special Events, and the Tactical Unit. He also received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from West Texas A&M University.
Deputy Chief Flores, who joined APD 14 years ago, received his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Baylor University and a Master's Degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has worked in Crime Prevention, Patrol, the Property Room, Media Unit, and played a vital role in Super Bowl XLV's public safety planning as part of Management Initiatives. Chief Flores has received a 10-year Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award. He facilitated the creation of the first Hispanic Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, and helped APD obtain the Southern Border Grant to fund the Domestic Highway Enforcement Unit.
Congratulations to each of our new Deputy Chiefs and their families.
Dr. Theron Bowman, the former Arlington Police Chief who earlier this week became Arlington's Deputy City Manager over Neighborhood Services, offered one last bit of advice during the ceremony.
"With this great honor comes a commiserate amount of responsibility," Dr. Bowman said. "To whom much is given, much is required."
By Arlington Police Office of Communication
Pictured below from left to right-Deputy Chiefs Os Flores, Jeff Matthews and Leland Strickland
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