Lubbock's new police and fire chiefs outline public safety goals and achievements

The City Council of Lubbock, Texas, convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss significant developments in public safety and infrastructure, highlighting the leadership of new police and fire chiefs, as well as updates on major bond projects.

The meeting began with the introduction of Chief Herman, the new police chief, who expressed his admiration for the Lubbock Police Department. He emphasized the professionalism and dedication of the officers, noting that they responded to 23,000 calls for service last year, while also initiating over 16,000 self-initiated activities. Chief Herman outlined his primary goals, which include lowering the crime rate and increasing personnel within the department. He reported a 100% murder clearance rate for the previous year, attributing this success to proactive law enforcement efforts and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. The chief highlighted a significant reduction in the murder rate, decreasing from 36 to 16 over the past few years, largely due to focused efforts on narcotics-related crimes.

Following Chief Herman, Fire Chief Richard Stewart shared his experiences since taking office. He praised the exceptional service provided by Lubbock Fire Rescue and acknowledged the city's investment in public safety. Chief Stewart detailed the department's diverse responsibilities, noting that 71% of their 27,000 calls for service last year were related to emergency medical services (EMS). He also mentioned specialized teams within the department, including high-angle rescue and hazardous materials teams, which enhance their capability to respond to various emergencies. Chief Stewart's leadership has led to an ISO 1 rating for the fire department, placing it in the top 1% nationally and helping to keep insurance premiums low for residents.

City staff member Eric Rohino provided updates on two major bond issues approved by voters, totaling over $300 million for road improvements. Rohino reported that significant progress has been made on the 2022 bond projects, with several already completed and additional projects currently under construction. He outlined ongoing work on various streets and neighborhood rebuilds, indicating that six more projects are set to go out for bid this year.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety and infrastructure, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing community needs. As Lubbock continues to grow, the leadership of the new chiefs and the progress on bond projects are poised to play crucial roles in shaping the city's future.