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Lubbock Police Chief Dale Holton is retiring after 37 years in the department. Holton was appointed chief in February 2008. In addition to chief, Holton has served as assistant chief of patrol and administration and SWAT commander. His retirement is effective February 28th.

“I have valued my time with the Lubbock Police Department but look forward to being with my wife, daughter and grandchildren,” said Chief Holton. “It has been my great honor to be Chief for the men and women of the Lubbock Police Department. I have always been, and will remain, so very proud of them and the great work they do everyday. It has also been my distinct privilege to work for and with City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld these last several years and I thank her for the confidence she has shown in me.”

“Chief Holton’s dedication to and leadership of the Police Department were exceptional. Not only is he a great leader, but also a wonderful person. He will be missed,” City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld said.

Dumbauld will appoint current Assistant Police Chief Roger Ellis to be the next police chief. Ellis is a 27 year veteran of the Lubbock Police Department, having served in Patrol, Persons Crimes, the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, Internal Affairs and two assignments in the Training Section. Roger has also served as Commander of the Police Department Negotiation Team. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice from Wayland Baptist University.

“Replacing someone of Chief Holton’s stature and experience is tough, but I believe we have the ideal person in Chief Roger Ellis,” said Dumbauld. “His leadership, experience as an officer, and character are a perfect fit with the department. He is the right person to carry on the fine tradition of the Lubbock Police Department.”

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead our city’s police department and am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I truly believe we have the best police department with the finest officers and staff in the state,” Chief Ellis said. “Chief Holton has done an excellent job serving as our Chief of Police for the past three years with the integrity and character that our police department, our city government, and our community can be proud of. We all wish him the best as he retires from his 37 year career with the Lubbock Police Department."

Chief Holton knows that the future of the department is in great hands. “I cannot imagine a finer, more capable leader for the department than Chief Roger Ellis. He is an exceptional representative of Lubbock Police Department values: honor, character and service.”

The Lubbock City Council must confirm Assistant Chief Ellis’s appointment as police chief. Roger Ellis will be confirmed and sworn-in during the February 24th City Council meeting.