Chief Standridge Finalist for San Marcos Chief of Police

ABILENE, TX -- Nearly eight months after resigning from the Abilene Police Department, Chief Stan Standridge has been selected as part of the top two finalists for the job in San Marcos.

According to the City of San Marcos, Standridge was one of the  92 individuals who applied for the job.

Chief Standridge was initially part of the top five finalists that participated in the first round of interviews last week.

After the interviews, Standridge and  Duncanville Police Chief Robert Brown will continue on to the next round of interviews.

"This was not an easy decision to make as Interim Chief Bob Klett was one of our five finalists and he has provided outstanding leadership and service over the past year," said City Manager Bert Lumbreras. “His guidance and fortitude throughout a year filled with tragedy with severe injuries to three officers and the line of duty death of Officer Justin Putnam have shown his ability to guide a heartbroken team and to heal our community. He’s led the SMPD through adversity and we are humbled and grateful to have him continue his leadership as Assistant Chief of Police.” 

The San Marcos council will vote on the City Manager's choice in late October or early November.

"The San Marcos Police Department has an incredible reputation that is known across the state. They strive for excellence, and they have been pushing into all elements of procedural justice, working alongside their community to give everyone a voice," said Standridge to local media outlets. "They have done this after suffering remarkable trauma, with the tragic loss of Officer Justin Putnam, and the injuries sustained by Officers, Franco Stewart, Justin Mueller, Paul Beller and Claudia Cormier. I am thankful for the opportunity to compete for this position. Interim Chief Bob Klett has done a remarkable job of leading his department. I hope he receives abundant praise for his leadership."

"I would consider it an honor to work alongside these professionals and the citizens of San Marcos."

The top three finalists for the position for Police Chief of the Abilene Police Department will be conducted this week.

They have been identified as 

• Major Robert Arredondo with the Dallas Police Department
• Commander Marcus Dudley with the Aurora, Colorado Police Department
• Deputy Chief Mark Francisco with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department 

Standridge resigned from his position in APD to continue dating Chaplin Beth Reeves, who also worked for the department. The couple will be getting married next month.