BRYAN, Texas — After 15 years with the Bryan Police Department, and 40 years in total in law enforcement, Police Chief Eric Buske will retire from his position on June 7, according to the City of Bryan.
While a search is conducted for the next police chief, Assistant Police Chief Dean Swartzlander will serve as interim chief the day after Chief Buske's retirement.
“The level of crime reduction that has occurred during Chief Buske’s tenure speaks volumes to the type of leader that he is; his accomplishments will have a lasting impact on the Bryan Police Department and the City of Bryan as a whole,” said Bryan City Manager Kean Register in the announcement about Chief Buske's retirement.
According to the city, under Chief Buske's leadership, the city has seen Part 1 Crime reduced by over 50% since 2009. Many other processes and units have been created and flushed out within the police department to assist them in their line of work, including creating a Mental Health Unit to assist those in crisis, adding over two dozen police officers, and creating more crime evidence-related positions within the department.
Outside of the Bryan Police Department, Chief Buske was a driving force behind partnerships and collaboration efforts within the law enforcement community, serving as the East Central Texas Police Chiefs Association President and being a co-founder of the area chiefs' monthly meetings.
“We are fortunate to have an individual within the department, who has experience, expertise, and is qualified to serve as the interim police chief. In Chief Buske’s absence in the past, Assistant Chief Swartzlander has served as the acting chief with professionalism and has demonstrated strong leadership qualities,” said City Manager Kean Register. “As the next steps to permanently fill the police chief position are considered, I am confident Assistant Chief Swartzlander will serve the community well, while leading and representing the Police Department with honor and integrity.”
The city says they do not have a definitive timeline on when they will make a new hire for the next chief, or if the search will be within the Bryan Police Department, across the state, or a nationwide search.
