A Decision Made Replacing Retiring Sweetwater Police Chief's Position
By: Josh Berry
Updated: April 13, 2012
Sweetwater has chosen the man to replace retiring, long time Police Chief Jim Kelly.
The Sweetwater City Manager was in charge of the hiring process and now only needs the approval of the City Commission.
The decision came a bit earlier than expected but after narrowing the candidates, City Manager Eddie Brown landed his decision on Brian Frieda. He's the current Chief of Police in Muleshoe, Texas up in the Panhandle.
"Brian Frieda, the Muleshoe Chief of Police is the best qualified and fits best in our situation," said Brown.
That situation he speaks of is the small west Texas town with a fairly small police department.
Brown added, "He's the guy that I'm looking for."
During the search however, current members of the Sweetwater Police Patrol Association stood against how the search was handled. The City Manager was the lone decision maker.
Brown insists the process was done in a legal manner, the way it's supposed to be done.
He hopes the officers will give Frieda a chance and show respect he said the position deserves.
There was one current Sweetwater Officer considered for the position but didn't get the job. He's currently second in command and Brown is counting on him to be the example.
Some Sweetwater residents aren't in favor of the search process.
"I wish they chose somebody from here and not somebody off from somewhere else," said concerned resident, Jackie Rowan.
There were a few comments along those same lines, but the majority was commending and thanking current Chief Jim Kelly for his years of service and hoping the new guy can fill the shoes.
But just in case, the decision has to be ratified by the City Commission. Mayor Greg Wortham already has a jump on the case.
"I have some contacts in Muleshoe that I'll talk to and see if they're ready to give up or want to keep their Police Chief," Mayor Wortham chuckled.
If and when the City Manager's decision gets ratified, Chief Frieda is ready to go.
Chief Frieda has over twenty years law enforcement experience and has served the citizens of Muleshoe since 2006.
Chief Frieda is a graduate of the Alamo Area Council of Government Regional Law Enforcement Academy and he holds a Master Peace Officer License.
He is a 2002 graduate of the Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College. He is both a TCLEOSE Instructor and a Firearms Instructor. Chief Frieda is certified as a Crime Prevention Inspector, Basic DEA Narcotics Investigator, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Fire Investigator.
The city commission is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to consider the choice. Frieda will become chief effective may first.
The Sweetwater City Manager was in charge of the hiring process and now only needs the approval of the City Commission.
The decision came a bit earlier than expected but after narrowing the candidates, City Manager Eddie Brown landed his decision on Brian Frieda. He's the current Chief of Police in Muleshoe, Texas up in the Panhandle.
"Brian Frieda, the Muleshoe Chief of Police is the best qualified and fits best in our situation," said Brown.
That situation he speaks of is the small west Texas town with a fairly small police department.
Brown added, "He's the guy that I'm looking for."
During the search however, current members of the Sweetwater Police Patrol Association stood against how the search was handled. The City Manager was the lone decision maker.
Brown insists the process was done in a legal manner, the way it's supposed to be done.
He hopes the officers will give Frieda a chance and show respect he said the position deserves.
There was one current Sweetwater Officer considered for the position but didn't get the job. He's currently second in command and Brown is counting on him to be the example.
Some Sweetwater residents aren't in favor of the search process.
"I wish they chose somebody from here and not somebody off from somewhere else," said concerned resident, Jackie Rowan.
There were a few comments along those same lines, but the majority was commending and thanking current Chief Jim Kelly for his years of service and hoping the new guy can fill the shoes.
But just in case, the decision has to be ratified by the City Commission. Mayor Greg Wortham already has a jump on the case.
"I have some contacts in Muleshoe that I'll talk to and see if they're ready to give up or want to keep their Police Chief," Mayor Wortham chuckled.
If and when the City Manager's decision gets ratified, Chief Frieda is ready to go.
Chief Frieda has over twenty years law enforcement experience and has served the citizens of Muleshoe since 2006.
Chief Frieda is a graduate of the Alamo Area Council of Government Regional Law Enforcement Academy and he holds a Master Peace Officer License.
He is a 2002 graduate of the Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College. He is both a TCLEOSE Instructor and a Firearms Instructor. Chief Frieda is certified as a Crime Prevention Inspector, Basic DEA Narcotics Investigator, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Fire Investigator.
The city commission is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to consider the choice. Frieda will become chief effective may first.
