After serving at the helm of the Weatherford Police Department since 2017, Lance Arnold is stepping down as its chief, effective Dec. 20. He is leaving to become the police chief in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Arnold has a distinguished 28-year career in law enforcement.
Arnold was appointed chief of police in Weatherford following 20 years with the Norman, Oklahoma Police Department. He advanced to director of public safety in 2020 and assistant city manager in 2022.
During his time in Weatherford, the department experienced significant growth, expanding from 58 officers to 69 officers, with a total of 95 employees. Under his leadership, the department achieved significant reductions in crime while fostering extensive community partnerships.
One of his key contributions was serving as the project manager for the design and construction of the state-of-the-art public safety building, which was completed in October of 2022. The department was also re-accredited for the third time under the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices Accreditation Program and received recognition from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for its comprehensive member wellness program.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community, and it has been an honor to work alongside our talented and dedicated members,” Arnold said. “This community will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will deeply cherish the relationships formed.”
Arnold was also deeply involved in community leadership, serving on several boards and committees. These included the Medical City Weatherford Board of Trustees, the Tarrant Area Food Bank West Advisory Committee, the NCTCOG Criminal Justice Policy Development Committee, the NCT 911 Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recruitment and Retention Committee.
“We are deeply grateful for Chief Arnold’s outstanding service and unwavering dedication to our community over the past seven years,” City Manager James Hotopp. “Under his leadership, our police department has achieved significant milestones, and his commitment to fostering trust and safety within our city will have a lasting impact. While we are sad to see him go, we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Assistant Chief Jason Hayes, a Weatherford native, will serve as interim chief while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. Hayes has 24 years of experience in law enforcement, all with Weatherford Police Department.
“Chief Hayes has consistently demonstrated exemplary service and leadership within our department, and I have every confidence in his ability to guide us through this interim period with professionalism, integrity, and commitment,” Hotopp said.
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