Arlington begins national search for new police chief, appoints two interim leaders

Arlington announced a national search for a new police chief and appointed two interim leaders after Police Chief Will Johnson announced his departure in April.

Johnson, who had been at the Arlington Police Department for 23 years, has been appointed police chief of BNSF Railway.

While the city conducts a national search for its next chief, assistant chiefs Jaime Ayala and Kevin Kolbye will lead the department on an interim and rotating basis.

Arlington expects to appoint a new chief by September, according to a city news release.

Ayala, a 31-year veteran who was awarded the State of Texas Medal of Valor, will serve as interim chief from May 28 to July 31. Kolbye, a 37-year law enforcement veteran who joined Arlington in 2015 from the FBI, will serve from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

“Chiefs Ayala and Kolbye are experienced and knowledgeable leaders ⁠— both with a strong background in all areas of police operations ⁠— and will serve our community well,” City Manager Trey Yelverton said in a prepared statement.

Ayala holds degrees from UT Arlington and Texas Christian University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Major City Chiefs Police Executive Leadership Institute and the FBI National Executive Institute.

“It is an honor to be given an opportunity to lead such a great workforce and serve such a vibrant community. We will continue our efforts to work with our community partners to keep Arlington safe,” Ayala said in the statement.

Kolbye holds degrees from Texas Tech University and Tarleton State University. He is also a 2019 graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute and attended the FBI’s Executive Development Institute, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead the men and women of this police department. I look forward to continuing to serve the community with our tradition of excellence,” Kolbye said in the statement.

A community event to celebrate Johnson’s time at the Arlington Police department is planned for June. Details about the public event will be announced on the city’s website at a future date.