Mike Hernandez Announces His Candidacy for Police Chief

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo stands unique as the only city of its size or larger that elects its police chief. The upcoming May 2024 election for this position is particularly noteworthy, as the seat is open following the retirement of incumbent Chief Frank Carter, who has held the post since 2016. This vacancy has attracted two candidates: Mike Hernandez and Travis Griffin. Hernandez announced his candidacy on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2023, on the steps of San Angelo City Hall.

Accompanying Hernandez to his right were his wife, Lisa, and to his left were four esteemed retired law enforcement officials, including former San Angelo Police Chief Russell Smith, ex-Assistant Police Chief Robert Martinez, retired Police Captain Rusty Meurer, and retired detective Barry Alwine. Also to his left stood Brandon and Krista Clark, pastors of Celebration Church, a non-denominational Bible church where the Hernandez family are lay leaders.

Del Velasquez, recently retired from leading Downtown San Angelo, Inc., will manage Hernandez's campaign.

In his address, Hernandez emphasized the importance of the 'service' aspect in the police motto, "to Protect and Serve." He pledged to instill pride within the department through enhanced discipline and training. "Pride fosters improved recruitment and retention," Hernandez stated. There is a nationwide challenge in police recruitment following the 2020 anti-police riots.

A central theme of Hernandez's campaign is the commitment to a positive and fair race. Reflecting on the contentious four-way race in 2016, in which Hernandez finished third and Frank Carter ultimately won, Hernandez vowed to avoid a repeat of such hostility. "I've promised my wife, Lisa, and myself to uphold a campaign based on respect and honor," he said.

Hernandez concluded his announcement with a call for unity and support: “I ask everyone to pray for both myself and Travis [Griffin], that our department remains united and not divided during this campaign.”

Following his speech, Hernandez, a former U.S. Marine, joined fellow veterans in the day's parade, riding on the American Legion float.