San Angelo Police Chief Field is Getting Crowded

SAN ANGELO, TX - The competition for the role of San Angelo Police Chief is gaining momentum as three candidates have officially filed their candidacy for the upcoming May 2024 election. 

As of the latest report, three individuals have submitted their candidacy for the position. 

Christopher Cimino, Travis Griffith, and Mike Hernandez have stepped forward to vie for the role of San Angelo Police Chief.

According to the City of San Angelo, candidate filings are to be reported the day after the filing occurs.

Christopher Cimino (Filed on 1-24-24): Christopher Cimino, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant within the San Angelo Police Department, brings a diverse background to the table. A graduate of Big Spring, Cimino served in the United States Marine Corps infantry before pursuing a bachelor's degree in Anthropology at Texas Tech University.

Since joining the San Angelo Police Department in 2005, Cimino has navigated through various roles, including patrol officer, narcotics detective, Crisis Negotiations Team member, and Patrol and K-9 Sergeant. He serves as the Patrol Lieutenant for Charles and Delta Patrol companies, the Lake Division, and the K-9 Unit. Additionally, Cimino holds the position of Commander of the San Angelo Police Department’s Anti-Riot Company.

Travis Griffith (Filed on 01-29-24): With a career spanning over two decades in law enforcement, Travis Griffith boasts a wealth of experience within the San Angelo Police Department. His roles encompass critical duties in SWAT and Patrol, specialized positions in Hostage Negotiation and as a Special Operations Detective, and leadership roles in Administration.

Having spent over ten years in supervisory positions, his leadership areas include directing Patrol operations and the Criminal Investigation Division, overseeing Public Information/Relations and the Anti-Crime Unit, and maintaining department integrity in Internal Affairs. Griffith, a volunteer EMT and firefighter, brings over 25 years of experience in municipal government to his candidacy.

Mike Hernandez (Filed on 02-12-24): A San Angelo native, Mike Hernandez, after serving in the United States Marine Corps, joined the San Angelo Police Department in 1990. His career path within the department includes roles in the Patrol Division, Gang Unit, Narcotics, and leadership positions as Sergeant, overseeing the Special Operations Unit, and later as Lieutenant leading the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions.

Hernandez's extensive SWAT team experience spans two decades, with ten years as the team leader. Currently serving as the SAPD’s Critical Incident Commander, Hernandez is tasked with authorizing the SWAT and HNT teams during crisis situations. His 3400 hours of specialized training include leadership training at the FBI National Academy and a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and Education.

The filing period for candidates is set from Jan. 17 to Feb. 16. For additional information about the May 4 general election, visit cosatx.us/elections.