WACO, TX — The City of Waco says it will take more time in its search for a new police chief and swear in the acting chief as the interim chief in the meantime.
Department veteran Frank Gentsch has been in the position of acting chief. He will be sworn in as the city's interim chief of police.
The chief of police position was opened when Chief Ryan Holt was promoted to assistant city manager.
“The current COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the ongoing dialogue in the country surrounding the role of police has changed the environment for completing a hiring process for Chief of Police. While we are pleased with the finalists who were being considered, we believe more time and consideration is essential to select the person to lead the department,” Deputy City Manager Bradley Ford said. “We will continue to seek community input as the process goes forward. Having an experienced Interim Chief will enable us to continue to provide the highest level of service during this search process. We have decided to cancel a virtual town hall with two of the current candidates and extend the search based on the many changes and challenges facing public safety agencies across the country."
