Starting with the Tyler Police Department in 1982 as a patrol officer and working his way up the ranks, Chief Gary Swindle has announced he will retire as the city's police chief.

The City of Tyler released the following press release with the details of Chief Swindle's career and accomplishments while with the force along with details on a retirement celebration.

After 33 years of service, Police Chief Gary M. Swindle has announced that he is retiring in June. Please join the Police Department and City staff for a retirement celebration that will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at Marvin United Methodist Church in Pirtle Hall, located at 300 W. Erwin St.

Dedicated to his staff and committed to his community, Swindle has embraced the City’s Called to S.E.R.V.E. motto. Starting as a patrol officer in 1982, he promoted up through the ranks as an investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and finally, as chief of Police in 2000. During his 16 years as chief, Swindle managed 250 employees and a $26.5 million budget. During his tenure, the City of Tyler Police Department opened the Faulkner Park Police Station, purchased and implemented the use of body cameras and the implementation of an Automatic Fingerprint Identification System. Swindle streamlined the Police Department by implementing a new reporting system, updating the dispatch center and software, made adjustments in staffing and on-line reporting and shone as a leader in utilizing the cutting edge of new police technology for officers and police fleet. He reactivated the minority advisory board to garnish more support and better input from the community. Additionally, under Swindle’s leadership, the City of Tyler Police Department remains a nationally accredited department.

Chief Swindle serves as a Key Leader for the City of Tyler. He is responsible for the operations of Neighborhood Services, Code Enforcement and Animal Services. He is also the liaison for the Health Department.

As Key Leader of the Tyler Police Department, Swindle brought innovative planning, leadership ability, proven management theories and problem-solving techniques to
the executive level. He holds active memberships with the International Association of
Chiefs of Police (IACP), FBI National Academy Associates of Texas, Texas Police Chiefs Association, Texas Police Association, Smith County Peace Officers Association and East Texas Peace Officers Association.

“Chief Swindle has done a great job as our Managing Director of Public Safety,” said City Manager Ed Broussard. “He has set the highest bar for leadership and performance excellence.”

Swindle is a graduate of University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He also holds a Master Peace Officer certification from the State of Texas. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy, 176th session, Quantico, Virginia. He also is a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute, Law Enforcement Command College.

Chief Swindle was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as a Commissioner on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (2002-2009).

Chief Swindle’s past and present civic affiliations include: Leadership Tyler, Children’s Advocacy Center, Chamber of Commerce, East Texas State Fair Association, Tyler Junior College, All Saints Episcopal School Board, Church and Community Network, Tyler Sister Cities International, UT Tyler Alumni Association and Tyler Police Foundation.

“I’ve had the good fortune of working for Chief Swindle in one capacity or another for most of my career, starting with his promotion to sergeant years ago,” said Assistant Chief Steve Sharron. “I don’t know of any other police leader who I am familiar with, who has done more to secure better working conditions for his officers and civilian personnel, while at the same time promoting a caring attitude and partnership with the community. His insightful vision and leadership will be missed by the entire Tyler Police Department.”

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