Pflugerville Taps Interim Police Chief As Current Top Cop Prepares For Retirement

PFLUGERVILLE, TX -- The city manager has named an interim police chief in anticipation of the current chief's January retirement.

City Manager Brandon Wade named Jim McLean interim chief of the Pflugerville Police Department on Oct. 31 as Chief Chuck Hooker prepares to retire early next year.

“In order to allow the Department to begin its succession process, Chief Hooker will work with Jim and I to ease the transition in anticipation of Chuck’s retirement,” Wade said. “Chuck, Jim and I will work during this transition time to establish the structure and environment necessary to implement a 21st Century Policing Model and set the framework to search for a new Chief of Police.”

McLean has served the city of Pflugerville for 24 years which started on December 20, 1993 when he was hired by former Chief of Police David Buesing as a patrolman. McLean was promoted to Senior Officer in December 1995, Patrol Sergeant in October 1997, and to a Lieutenant in November 2001. Chief Chuck Hooker promoted McLean to Captain in July 2004 and then Assistant Chief of Police since October 2007.

McLean has the Master Peace Officer certification, FEMA Certificate of Professional Development and was recognized as Officer of the Year in 1997, officials said.. McLean is a TCLOSE Certified State instructor and earned a Graduate designation from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Institute of Texas in 1999, officials added.

Wade said the search for chief will take place in next year with the assistance of a national search firm. Chief McLean and Wade will work on a preliminary plan for department restructuring in the 21st Century Policing Approach which includes emphasis on a team-based department, according to officials.

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