By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
Dallas, TX – Shortly before noon Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm used social media to announce the hiring of Dallas police veteran David Brown as the city's next police chief.
Facebook pages for the City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department broke the news that the department's second in command is being named to the top job following the retirement of Police Chief David Kunkle.
Brown joined the Dallas police department in 1983 and has been part of the command staff for the past 10 years.
As First Assistant Chief of Police since 2005 Brown has overseen public safety and crime deterrent initiatives, staffing and the administration of the department's $410 million annual operating budget.
Brown was among six finalists interviewed to replace Kunkle. Two other Dallas officers were considered: Danny Garcia, Bureau Commander for Personnel and Internal Affairs and Assistant Chief Floyd Simpson in charge of Patrol.
In a memo sent to news media Suhm cited Brown's knowledge of the city and his strong management skills. In addition to serving with the police department Brown briefly worked as an assistant city manager with responsibility for six city departments.
Suhm also announced Brown's replacement as First Assistant Chief of Police. Assistant Chief Charles Cato, a department veteran with gang unit and Dallas schools experience, will be promoted to second in command.