Amarillo City Council confirms Thomas Hover as next police chief

During their regular meeting Tuesday, the Amarillo City Council officially confirmed Thomas Hover as the city’s next police chief. Hover was the sole finalist for the position, having been named in mid-December, and his confirmation was the final item on the council’s agenda.

“I’m excited to listen and learn the Amarillo way, to build relationships with the community, as well of the men and women of this organization,” Hover said before the council vote. “The Amarillo Police Department has a fantastic group of officers. They’re passionate and driven, and I’m just excited to be part of the team.”

The council voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve Hover’s appointment.

Hover succeeds Interim Chief Jimmy Johnson, who served as one of the three finalists for the position and led the department following the abrupt retirement of former Chief Martin Birkenfeld in February. Both Hover and city officials expressed gratitude to Johnson for his leadership during the past year.

Hover brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience from the Irving Police Department, where he oversaw field operations and specialized bureaus. His career includes leadership roles in community policing initiatives, officer wellness programs, crisis intervention, and service as an incident commander during major public events and emergency situations.

Out of a pool of 40 applicants, three candidates advanced to the final round. According to Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman, the selection process included evaluations and feedback from multiple stakeholders, including city staff, community members, and structured interview panels.

Freeman highlighted Hover’s experience with patrol, special operations, and real-time crime centers as key factors in his selection. “He’s dealt with a lot of the homeless challenges in Irving. He’s also done a lot with just advancing new technology and new initiatives in the department, which is a lot of what we have going on now. But then, as far as his leadership skills, he’s a servant leader,” Freeman said. He added that Hover’s humility and willingness to listen before making decisions stood out during the evaluation process.

City Manager Grayson Path said the selection reflected a careful assessment of qualifications, leadership style, and the department’s long-term needs. “Input from the community, department staff, and our interview panels provided valuable perspective and affirmed that Mr. Hover’s leadership approach and experience are well suited to the current and future needs of the Amarillo Police Department,” Path said.

Mayor Cole Stanley praised both Hover’s appointment and the search process, noting the department’s ongoing strength in public safety. “He’s very much like us and his traditional values. He’s a family man. His priorities match ours. And so, because he’s going to have the support of the public and he’s going to have the support of the department, I think he [is] set up for success,” Stanley said.

Hover holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University and a Master of Applied Liberal Arts in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College. City officials described Hover’s approach as combining data-driven policing with community engagement.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected as the next Police Chief for the City of Amarillo,” Hover said in a statement following the confirmation. “I am grateful to the city leadership for their confidence and trust, and I look forward to serving the Amarillo community. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Amarillo Police Department and to build upon the strong foundation that defines this outstanding organization.”