Published Tuesday, April 28, 2009 6:05 AM
Brenham's new police chief to take office on June 1
By MATTHEW WATKINS
matthew.watkins@theeagle.com
Brenham City Manager Terry Roberts was so impressed by a glowing performance review of Rex Phelps that he said he felt compelled to check its accuracy before hiring him as the new chief of police.
Phelps' previous job was in Forest Hill, a suburb of Fort Worth where he took over in 2007 to turn around a department that was understaffed, ill-equipped and divided by political infighting.
A consulting firm that followed up on Phelps' hire wrote in a report that he largely was responsible for turning the department around.
"When I checked into that situation, I was told the report was understated," Roberts said. "If it was understated, I can't imagine it being a more glowing report. He was obviously extremely successful in carrying out his leadership and managerial abilities in that city."
Roberts said that success was the main reason for picking Phelps to head the Brenham Police Department.
A complete turnaround will not be necessary in Brenham, Phelps and Roberts both noted, but city officials said they are optimistic.
The new chief was hired last week after being selected from a group of six candidates who were interviewed earlier this month. More than 100 people interviewed for the job.
"He is the best fit," Roberts said. "He is the most experienced in having a great track record of making the department better."
Phelps begins June 1. He inherits a department with 34 full-time employees and a $3 million budget. His salary will be $88,900.
Previous Chief Glen Fowler left the department in December after accepting a position with the Allen Police Department. Assistant Chief Jay Petrash served as interim chief while the search was conducted.
Phelps couldn't be reached Monday. Last week, he told his new employees that he was impressed by the city and its police department
"I know different and new things can make people feel apprehensive -- please don't," he told the officers. "I don't use the word change. I use the word better. This is a great department and I feel like we can make it better. We can always make ourselves better."
Comments
[comment]
4 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4:08 PM
Comment Title:
I would say that Brenham lacks some leadership. The fact is that Jay Petrash has served as the interim chief on more than one occasion. The city relys on him to fill the chief's shoes every time they loose a chief. They have yet to match the salary they paid the hired gun chiefs that take the full time job. Perhaps they should do the right thing and give Jay the job and the pay that is given to these hired guns that stick around for a few months/ years. I have known Jay for over 20 years and he deserves the job and the salary that goes with it. The city officials keep low balling the salary to him every time they ask him to fill in. Hang in there Jay, they will find out what you are really worth when you retire and they can run and take advantage of you anymore. To the city officials of Brenham I would say pull your head out and look at the resources you are wasting searching for new chiefs all of the time and give Jay what is right and just.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 2:06 PM
Comment Title:
When will The City of Bryan resolve it's police chief situation. This has been going on since Nov. 23rd and it needs to come to an end. I hope the interim police chief has been given a pay increase for having to carry the load of this dept. Morrow is a disgrace to our community. How can he continue to draw an income for doing nothing. Give his salary to the ass't chief. He deserves it.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:29 AM
Comment Title: What a MESS ...
I too, concur with the first writer's comment regarding the apparent civil leadership in Brenham. And yes, we folks in Bryan do have a MESS to deal with concerning the Watkins/Morrow clowns! However, I do feel that a correction can come about soon, if we folks will just communicate actively with our city council representives. Yes we can, and shall overcome the MESS we find ourselves facing!
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:07 AM
Comment Title:
Looks like they know how to take care of business over in Brenham. City Manager Terry Roberts is to be commended for reconizing the talent and great potential of the new chief to be, Rex Phelps. Since Mr. Phelps is now getting ready to start his new position in Brenham he is most likely unavailable to take over as chief of the troubled police department in Bryan. When Bryan goes shopping for a new city manager, which they must do soon, I hope they will look at Terry Roberts. What a contrast these two men are to the "leadership" we have in Bryan with Watkins and Morrow running their side shows.
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