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La Marque Welcomes New Police Chief

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/10/la-marque-welcomes-new-police-chief.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 17:55 GMT by Houston Public Media
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

La Marque, TX - February 10th, 2026 - The City of La Marque has officially welcomed Byron Frankland as its new Chief of Police, marking a new chapter for the department following the well-respected tenure and recent retirement of Chief Kirk Ethridge in January. The announcement signals a commitment to continued progress in public safety and a renewed focus on bolstering community relationships within the rapidly growing coastal city.

Frankland arrives in La Marque with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in law enforcement. Most recently, he served as Assistant Chief with the Galveston Police Department, where he gained extensive experience overseeing a broad range of departmental functions and spearheading critical initiatives. While Galveston authorities have not publicly commented on the transition, sources within the department suggest Frankland was considered a rising star with a reputation for innovative policing strategies and a strong emphasis on officer development.

City Manager Brenda Lamberth expressed strong confidence in Frankland's ability to lead the La Marque Police Department. "We are thrilled to welcome Chief Frankland to the La Marque family," she stated in an official press release. "His experience and dedication to law enforcement make him the ideal candidate to lead our police department and serve our community." Lamberth alluded to a rigorous selection process, highlighting the high caliber of applicants and the careful consideration given to finding a leader who aligns with the city's values and long-term vision.

The timing of Frankland's appointment is particularly significant. La Marque, like many municipalities across the nation, has been actively working to enhance public safety measures and foster more positive interactions between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. Over the past year, the city has seen a steady increase in both residential and commercial development, leading to a more diverse population and, consequently, evolving public safety needs. The previous administration, under Chief Ethridge, had begun initiatives focused on community policing, but the transition to Frankland offers an opportunity to accelerate and refine these efforts.

Industry analysts suggest Frankland's background in Galveston, a city also grappling with unique challenges related to tourism, port activity, and a diverse demographic, will be particularly valuable. He is known for implementing data-driven policing strategies, focusing on crime hotspots, and utilizing technology to improve response times. However, the true test will lie in his ability to adapt these approaches to the specific context of La Marque and build strong relationships with residents.

Frankland, in accepting the position, conveyed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve the La Marque community. "I am honored to be selected for this role and look forward to working with the men and women of the La Marque Police Department to make our city a safer place to live," he said. He further indicated a commitment to transparency and open communication, promising to engage with community leaders, residents, and local organizations to understand their concerns and priorities.

Sources suggest Frankland intends to prioritize officer training in de-escalation techniques and implicit bias awareness. He also plans to explore opportunities for increased community outreach programs, potentially including neighborhood watch initiatives, youth engagement programs, and regular town hall meetings. A key aspect of his initial strategy is expected to be a comprehensive assessment of current policing practices and resource allocation, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the department is effectively addressing the most pressing public safety concerns.

The La Marque City Council is scheduled to formally confirm Frankland's appointment at its next meeting on February 17th. A public meet-and-greet event is also being planned for later in the month, providing residents with an opportunity to personally welcome Chief Frankland and learn more about his vision for the future of the La Marque Police Department.