The Pflugerville City Council has appointed Willie Richards as the city’s new police chief, city officials announced Wednesday.

Richards’ appointment was approved by the council on Tuesday. He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving eight years as assistant police chief in Round Rock.

He succeeds former Chief Jason O’Malley, who retired earlier this year and was later found to have violated department protocols involving unsafe gun handling. Lt. Chet Vronka has served as acting chief since O’Malley’s departure.

“Chief Richards’ depth of experience, collaborative leadership style and true desire for the Police Department to reflect the community it serves make him an outstanding fit for Pflugerville,” Mayor Victor Gonzales said in a statement.

See Full Page