History of Kennedale police chiefs shows many served

Part of a 70th anniversary series on City of Kennedale …

The history of police chiefs is a rocky one, with many holding the office only for a few months including one that resigned within 3 weeks. To be fair some really didn?t want the office but was thrust into the position when the previous chief resigned under duress. {{more: Read More …}}

 

In the early years, Karl Haverston was an officer that Kennedale turned to over and over as the police chief’s office became a revolving door. He served 7 consecutive years in the late 1950 to the mid 60’s but was asked to return in 1968, 1970, 1971 and then 1972 when he served another 7 years. This made him the second longest serving chief in Kennedale history.

Kennedale Police Chief Halverson in front of the new city hall in 1960

David Geeslin, at 20 years, was the longest serving police chief starting in 1986. But his tenure ended in charges of corruption before he was forced from office in 2006 and was eventually convicted of fraudulently obtaining police department funds for personal use.

Current Kennedale Police Chief Tommy Williams

The present chief, Tommy Williams, represents the longest continuous serving chief without controversy and has done much to re-established the integrity and reputation of the Kennedale Police Department in recent years.

seventeen chiefs …

 

In between Haverston’s first and last term were the following

• Louis Watson, 1966-68.

• Andrew C. Mitchell, six months, 1967.

• Richard Bennett, 3 months, 1967-68.

• Bob Hollingsworth, several months, 1969 but stepped down due to illness.

• Bill Cruson, a year (1969-70).

• Thurman Ellison 1970-71

• Jack Marlowe, acting 1971

After Haverston left the job for good in 1979, came the following

• James O. Graham 1979 and Kevin Kirkpatrick 1979.

• B.J. Hopper 1979-1983 but was asked to resign by the city council

• Charles E. Carter, Jr 1983 (resigned after 3 weeks)

• Terry C. Ahrendt 1983-1986

• David Geeslin 1986-2001

• Jim Rutledge, 2001-2006

• Tommy Williams 2006-present

The Kennedale Police Department shared quarters with the City Hall staff at the first City Hall on Business 287 [Kennedale Parkway] and later at the red brick City Hall on New Hope Road.

The KPD was housed in the building on far right while city hall moved into the building in center in the 80?s, both buildings are still standing on New Hope Road

The City Hal was later moved next door but the police department remained until they moved into their present facilities at 410 Chitwood in 1990. The street name was later changed to Municipal Drive.

 

The red brick police station on New Hope later housed the Kennedale Library until it moved into its present facilities at 316 W 3rd Street.