Chief Carter's Assistant Chief Selections Leaked

The San Angelo Police Department leaked who will become assistant chiefs under the command of Chief Frank Carter.

According to SanAngeloPolice.org, on the “About Us” page, the following will be named assistant chiefs tomorrow at an induction ceremony:

Robert Martinez

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Robert Martinez will retain the post he held under the administration of Tim Vasquez as the Assistant Chief in charge of Investigations. According to the website, Martinez is a 34-year veteran officer and this is his 13^th year in the administration. He will provide continuity for the department as the Carter administration undergoes transition.

Tracy Fincher

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Tracy Fincher moves up to become the Assist Chief of Field Operations. Fincher comes to the department with a depth of experience in patrol, especially narcotics. He replaces Kevin Hollway.

David Howard

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David Howard takes Jeff Fant’s old post as the Assistant Chief of Support Services. Howard has worked patrol, K-9, and narcotics. He has also been a supervisor of the Community Services Division and was a PD public information officer.

The assistant chiefs will be formally announced at a press conference Friday at 2 p.m. at the McNease Convention Center. The public is invited.

Update 4 p.m. (Press Release Provided by Officer Tracy Gonzalez, public information officer for SAPD)

"Earlier today, the San Angelo Police Department’s website was updated to reflect tomorrow’s promotion of the Department’s incoming Assistant Chiefs, Lieutenants David Howard and Tracy Fincher. Assistant Chief of Police Robert Martinez will continue to serve as an Assistant Chief under the new administration.

During the transition in Administration, Lieutenants David Howard and Tracy Fincher began their presumptive leadership roles under Chief Carter in the Department’s Administrative Offices to ensure transparency with Department staff. 

Although Chief Carter’s selections were confirmed some time ago, their names were not announced publicly as there was some question about the legality of the release of their names prior to Chief Carter affirming his oath of office.

Collectively, Lieutenants Howard and Fincher have 48 years of service and experience to contribute to the new administration and both look forward to serving the community in their new roles.

Lt. Tracy Fincher began employment with the San Angelo Police Department in 1995. Prior to that, he was with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department for two years. He also served four years in the United States Navy. After graduating the Police Academy, he served as a patrol officer and a narcotics detective. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 where he served as a Patrol supervisor and the Internal Affairs Sergeant. In 2004, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He has served as a Patrol Shift Commander, Narcotics Division Commander, Criminal Investigations Commander and most recently as the Intelligence Division Commander. Lt. Fincher has also served as a member of the SWAT team for 14 years, where he served as Assistant Commander and currently the SWAT Team Commander. He has received several awards to include Patrol Supervisor of the year, Investigative supervisor of the year and Officer of the Year.  Assistant Chief Fincher will act as the Assistant Chief over Operations.

David Howard was born and raised in San Angelo. After graduating from San Angelo Central High School in 1983, he attended San Angelo State University where he was enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program. In 1988, he was hired by the San Angelo Police Department. Howard was promoted to Master Police Officer in October of 1994, Sergeant in July of 2001, and Lieutenant on March 25 2010.  During his career, Assistant Chief Howard has been assigned to the Patrol Division, the K-9 Unit, the Rio Concho Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Task Force, the San Angelo Police Department Narcotics Division as an investigator and then supervisor, and as a Patrol Commander.  He has also served as a supervisor of the Community Services Division as the Police Department Public Information Officer, and the Criminal Investigations Division Commander.  Assistant Chief Howard will act as the Assistant Chief over Support Services.

Robert P. Martinez was born and raised in the great city of San Angelo, Texas.  He graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1976. Robert is a 34-year veteran officer with the San Angelo Police Department. He spent 8-years assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrolman & Supervisor, 14-years with the Detective Division as an Investigator & Supervisor.  In 1993, Robert P. Martinez attended the F.B.I. National Academy and is a graduate of the 174th Class in Quantico, Virginia. Robert holds a Master Police Officers Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Assistant Chief Robert P. Martinez is responsible for overseeing Intelligence Division to include Narcotics as well as being responsible for the Critical Negotiations Team and SWAT. Assistant Chief Martinez will continue to act as the Assistant Chief over Investigations."

The new Assistant Chiefs will be formally announced at a Promotion Ceremony slated at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the McNease Convention Center. 

The ceremony is open to the public.