SAPD's New Team: Dawn of a New Era

Today at 2 p.m., Frank Carter, in a 20-minute speech (approximate), explained his plans as the new Chief of the San Angelo Police Department. As part of those plans, he introduced and swore in his three assistant chiefs announced yesterday: Robert Martinez, David Howard and Tracy Fincher (read more about their qualifications here).

At the McNease Convention Center, about 60 people attended the Promotion Ceremony, and city leaders and citizens listened in rapt attention as Chief Carter explained his plans for a new and improved SAPD.

Carter began the ceremony by thanking all who came to witness the appointment of the new assistant chiefs.

“It’s an honor to serve [the public], our city, and this department,” Carter said. “July 12, 2016 signifies a day of change. Not only for me, but for the police department as well.”

As for his chosen team, Carter said he has seen Martinez, Howard and Fincher’s work firsthand and has worked with each of them for a majority of the 24 years he’s been with the police department.

Carter mentioned he has watched these men develop in their career, and his decision to choose them was not spontaneous and has been in his mind since he began working with them.

He added that the decision was based on their character, motivation, integrity, dependability and many other characteristics that let them empower the men and women who work alongside them.  

“Anybody can obtain the rank or the title, but without leadership, you will never be 100 percent successful,” Carter said.

Here are the officers who were promoted today:

Assistant Chief Tracy Fincher – Operations
Assistant Chief David Howard – Support Services
Assistant Chief Robert Martinez – Investigations
Lt. Les Bird – Criminal Investigations Division Commander
Lt. Mike Hernandez – “A” (Day) Shift Patrol Commander
Lt. Ed Kading – Street Crimes Commander
Lt. Tim Pucci – Communications

After the ceremony, Chief Carter said appointing these three assistant chiefs to his team felt great and couldn’t happen to a better group of guys.

“I’ve been watching these guys for the last 20 years, [and] their day-to-day operations. I’ve been watching that and looking at their character, their ability, their decision making skills, their dependability, and most importantly, their leadership skills,” said Chief Carter.

Carter also said the number of officers following these new chiefs and have respect for them is important.

For Carter personally, being there was “outstanding.”

“July 12 was my day, and I’m glad we’ve put the politics behind us. It’s now time for me to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” Carter said. “Today was the final measure as far as putting the team together so we can all start working and making progress in the department.”

Chief Carter said there are more changes taking place. Commanders are being moved around to utilize their talents where they need to be. They’re also looking at different shift configurations for patrol officers.

“From day one on my platform, I want to strengthen the narcotics unit, which we will now call Street Crimes, and we’re working towards that with vacancies in the near future,” he said.

Assistant Chief Martinez, a 34-year veteran of SAPD, said it’s great being chosen again. This is his “fourth time out.”

“Feels great,” he said.

Martinez said for this position, when he does decide to leave, someone will come in and fill in his slot, and the only thing that will change is the name.

“They take care of the public; they take care of the officers, and they continue on it,” he said.

Martinez also said it means the world to him serving in San Angelo. He feels fortunate having the position. For doing his job, he gets to keep his job. This is his fourth term, and not many people can say the same.

“I just feel honored to stay on with the team,” said Martinez.

Martinez said Frank Carter’s father is the one who hired him in 1981.

“Ironically, when I went to detectives in 1984, I wanted to leave,” he said. “[Carter] talked me into staying a detective. I wanted to go back to patrol. He was instrumental in sending me to the FBI Academy.”

The rest is just history, Martinez noted.

Martinez stated that he worked for Frank’s father, then Frank worked for him, and now Martinez works for Frank.

“It was great. That’s how you build relationships,” Martinez said.

Martinez added that many people went to bat for him to keep his job, and he was grateful.

Assistant Chief Howard said it was humbling seeing all the people who came out to support their swearing in.

“We appreciate the support,” Howard said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of San Angelo, as well as the men and women at the San Angelo Police Department in this capacity.”

Howard said he’s been with the department for 28 years, and this is the pinnacle of his career.

“It’s a blessing to be here,” he said.

Howard said Chief Carter is an “impressive individual,” and he’s proud to be a part of his team.

Assistant Chief Fincher noted that the events of the day were “a little overwhelming.”

“I’m very proud to be here, to serve the citizens of this community” he said. “I have been doing so for 20 years, and I’m looking forward to doing it in this capacity. It’s a real honor.”

Fincher said as an assistant chief, he’s going to set out to help achieve Chief Carter’s goals and his platform.

“We have a lot of things to do,” Fincher said. “I’m glad for the day we can roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Fincher stated he has worked with Chief Carter for 20 years, and it’s a wonderful thing. He’s ready to get to work improving the community and the department.

“It’s going to be a good opportunity,” he said.

A few city leaders also had a few things to say about the new appointments.

City Councilman Lane Carter, SMD5, said Frank Carter selected the best of the best for their capabilities.

“I believe it’s going to be a good working relationship for him, the other officers on staff and also the City Council,” said Lane Carter.

Personnel, budgets, training, equipment are just some of the issues SAPD and City Council work together on, he added.

Previous City Councilman Johnny Silvas, who has a strong relationship with the new assistant chiefs and SAPD, said it’s a humbling experience seeing these men move up the ranks to make the department a better one.

“I think it needed some change, and I think we got the change the majority of the people wanted,” said Silvas. “I’m very happy with the outcome.”

Silvas said there will be a leaner and more vibrant workforce, and he thinks the new assistant chiefs will do well.

He added that the morale and atmosphere is completely different now at SAPD.

“I’ve said from day one it’s time for change. I voted for change, and I’m glad I was on the winning side of it,” said Silvas.

Note: Reporter Cameron Niblock contributed to this story.