SAN ANGELO, TX — Lt. Mike "Burrito" Hernandez wants to be the San Angelo Police Department's next Chief.
Two other candidates are vying for the four-year term to succeed outgoing Chief Frank Carter, who announced he would not seek re-election.
The contenders include Lt. Chris Cimino and Sgt. Travis Griffith.
Each candidate has been profiled.
Residents can vote for the non-partisan Police Chief election on May 4, 2024.
San Angelo LIVE! is set to host a Police Chief Candidate Forum/Debate on Monday evening, March 18, 2024. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sugg Room at the Stephens Central Library.
The forum will be moderated by San Angelo LIVE! publisher Joe Hyde.
The forum will consist of an introduction of the candidates along with a question-and-answer segment.
The forum will also be streamed live on the San Angelo LIVE! website, YouTube, and Facebook platforms.
Admission to the event is free, and it is encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited.
Additionally, San Angelo LIVE! is accepting endorsement letters for the Police Chief race. Letters can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Now, who is Mike Hernandez?
Hernandez is a San Angelo native and a 33 year veteran of the SAPD, with over 20 years in leadership roles.
According to his campaign website, after serving in the United States Marine Corps, he joined the San Angelo Police Department in the Patrol Division in 1990. In 1993, he transferred to the Gang Unit and later worked in Narcotics.
After achieving the rank of Sergeant in 2004, Hernandez helped launch the Special Operations Unit. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2010 and led the Patrol Division until being selected to oversee the Criminal Investigation Division in 2019.
Hernandez was the team leader for 10 of the 20 years he was on the SWAT Team. He serves as the SAPD’s Critical Incident Commander, tasked with authorizing the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams during crisis situations.
Hernandez has over 5200 hours of specialized training, including leadership training at the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA, and a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and Education.
He has attended Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced SWAT schools. Hernandez and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 36 years. Lisa recently retired from Angelo State University, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Admissions for over 33 years. They have two adult children, Joshua and Kelsey, and a grandson, Logan, who is their “pride and joy.”
They have been members at Celebration Church since the fall of 2011, where they currently lead a small marriage group. Mike is on the church's Elder board, and Lisa is the volunteer team coordinator. They enjoy meeting with young couples for premarital counseling, going on adventures, and spending time with their family and friends.
Hernandez's mission statement is "Serving and protecting all who call with pride, professionalism, and purpose."
Community involvement:
- The Alcohol & Drug Awareness Center for the Concho Valley (ADACCV)
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas (Board of Directors)
- Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA)
- Galilee Community Development Corp
- Rape Crisis Center
- House of Faith
- United Way (Loan Executive)
- Boys Scouts of America (Board Executive)
- Leadership San Angelo
- Celebration Church (Elder Board)
- Emmaus (Lay Director)
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