Naming of David Brown comes day after Austin chief withdraws from consideration.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Published: 10:53 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Twenty-six years after becoming a Dallas police officer, David Brown is now the top one.
The 49-year-old was named chief of the Dallas Police Department on Wednesday by City Manager Mary Suhm, replacing retiring Chief David Kunkle.
“I’m very humbled. I’m very excited. I love this city and all its citizens,” Brown said at an afternoon news conference. “I’m just honored to be chosen as the new chief of the Police Department.”
Brown said he planned to start visiting immediately with officers to hear their views and concerns.
“Their issues are my issues,” he said.
He added, “No chief can be successful in Dallas without the rank and file.” As chief, he said, he was committed to “putting them first and foremost.”
Brown was one of six finalists for the position.
The announcement in Dallas came less than 24 hours after Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, who also had been a finalist, withdrew his candidacy, saying, “I belong here.”
Acevedo would not say whether he received a formal offer from Dallas. However, he said that he had been negotiating a salary and other employment terms “just like I’m sure every other candidate was.”
Suhm said the other finalists for the job were all well qualified. “So the question became who is the best match for our city, for our department and for our residents, and who can keep the momentum going that we have in the department,” she said.
Kunkle announced his retirement in November, saying he would step aside in April. His last day is Friday.
City officials say that during Kunkle’s tenure, Dallas’ violent crime rate fell by 32 percent and the department added 700 officers.
Additional material from staff writer Tony Plohetski.
