Many citizens, law enforcement officers, and local dignitaries gathered together at Brownwood City Hall on Monday morning to celebrate the swearing in of the first ever appointed Brownwood Chief of Police, Mike Corley.  Bobby Rountree, City Manager of Brownwood, greeted those in attendance with an explanation that this was not a city council meeting but a swearing in ceremony for the newly appointed chief.   Because of this, a much more personal swearing in took place.

Brownwood Mayor Bert Massey administered the oath of office, and recently retired Police Chief Virgil Cowin presented Corley his badge.  In a touching moment, Corley’s wife Sheryl pinned the new badge on his uniform.

Brownwood Mayor Bert Massey said, “I’ve waited 35 years to appoint a Chief of Police to the city.”  He noted that he would only have a few days working with Corley before he retires and the new mayor is elected.

Corley was asked what his first day had been like so far, to which he stated, “It’s been a whirlwind, learning all the names of everyone.”  He also stated that he had a lot of excitement coming into this day, as he had “…30 years preparing for this moment.”

After the official ceremony was over, Corley was asked a few questions.  It was asked what he thought his biggest issue would be as the new Chief.  He answered, “The first thing I have to do is appoint an Assistant Chief, which will have to be someone within the department that will have a lot of impact on the department.  I have to figure out where we are as a department.”

Relating to the drug problem, Corley said, “I have to learn a different approach” in reference to the drug arrests in a small town verses that of the Dallas area.  He further stated, “drugs were everywhere in Dallas…it was easy to buy drugs, but here it will be different because everybody knows each other.”

He noted that he looks forward to getting to know the different agencies and learning how they work together.

Corley was then asked what he liked most about the city so far.  He noted, “The traffic is great and the people are great.  The people are so friendly; I feel I am a part of the team already.”

When asked if outgoing Chief of Police, Virgil Cowan, had offered him any words of wisdom or advice, Corley stated, “No, he told me if I needed anything, call me, and I’ll be right there.”

With the support of his wife, daughter, grandsons, mother, sister,  in-laws and even his father’s best friend (Billy Ray) and his partner who had worked with him in Midland (Lanny Lee, Dublin Chief of Police), Corley was ready to get started.  Those who knew him best, including his sister who had come in from Seattle for the ceremony, noted that Brownwood is a perfect fit for Corley.

With a big smile, the newly appointed Chief of Police stated, “I’m glad to be here!”

See photos of today’s ceremony and reception in our photo gallery below.  Also watch a video of Mike Corley’s comments after he was sworn in.

{denvideo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTIJSvQ59-I 400 300 }

{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=152|

limitstart=0|limitcount=1|detail=0|displayname=1|

displaydetail=1|imageshadow=shadow1}