The City of Brownwood welcomed their new Chief of Police, Terry Nichols, with a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, July 5th at the Brown County Law Enforcement Center.
The ceremony was attended by many law enforcement officers from several county agencies, city officials, family and friends. Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes welcomed Chief Nichols to Brownwood and administered the Oath of Office.
“This is a very special day when we get to introduce a new Chief of Police,” said Haynes. “I know that a lot has been said about the qualifications, the type of man and character that he has, and that means a lot to us.”
Mayor Haynes stated that after Nichols’ selection was announced, he began receiving Facebook messages from mutual friends of congratulations on getting Nichols as chief of police, “what a great person he is, and how special that is.”
Councilmen Draco Miller and Larry Mathis, City Manager Emily Crawford, along with Brownwood Police Officers Fred Bastardo and Michael Sheedy formed the selection committee which ultimately recommended Nichols to the council to fill this position.
“We are very honored to have a person of his caliber to come and lead our department, but I would also like to say to Chief Nichols that we hope that you are also honored. As I look around this room and around this community, there are some very special men who you have the privilege to work with,” said Haynes. “This is a very special community and a great place to work, so we hope that you feel blessed because we feel blessed to have you.”
Chief Nichols’ wife, Nicky, ceremoniously pinned his badge, then Brown County Sheriff George Caldwell administered the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor. Caldwell stated that he was honored that Chief Nichols had asked him to be a part of this ceremony.
Chief Nichols stated that he appreciated everyone that attended, the city manager, mayor and councilmen for appointing him as chief of police.
“It is truly an honor to be standing here today to be taking the Oaths with the City of Brownwood,” said Nichols. He introduced some special guests from the City of San Marcos, Chief of Police Chase Stapp, Assistant Chief Bob Klett, Assistant Chief Retired Lisa Dvorak, and Fire Chief Les Stephens, stating that he learned many things from working with them as mentors for many years.
Chief Stapp stated that he is very happy for Nichols, stating, “He is a stand-up guy, very honest, and has strong integrity. I don’t know of any guy that has a stronger work ethic.” He continued and stated that the City of Brownwood was not only getting a great police chief but that Nichols brings many worldwide connections in law enforcement that will be a great asset.
Nichols also thanked his wife who has in his words, “been a partner in his entire law enforcement career.”
Chief Nichols stated that during visits to Brownwood, he has learned that the Brownwood community has a great respect for the officers in the police department and that they have the full support of the mayor, city manager, and city council to do the job for which they were called. He explained that not all police departments are that fortunate. He also stated that he has learned he has some big shoes to fill in replacing retired Chief Mike Corley.
Nichols’ law enforcement experience spans more than 25 years in both municipal law enforcement and national program management. He served the San Marcos Police Department for 21 years, retiring at the rank of Commander in 2010. As Commander, he led and managed both Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions. He also was Sergeant in the Training Division, Patrol Sergeant, and Narcotics Detective. Nichols was a member of a multi-agency Hays County Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), of which he served a term as Commander. As a member of the San Marcos PD and SWAT, Nichols saw the need for additional training for law enforcement in active shooter incidents. He is a founding member of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program, which has become an internationally recognized training and development entity through Texas State University.
Chief Nichols retired from the SMPD to dedicate himself full time to ALERRT as the Assistant Director and the Director of Curriculum Development for over six years. ALERRT has acquired over $50 million in grant funding and trained more than 90,000 officers. He is a published author and speaker on active the shooter threat, training development and national response strategies.
Through the span of his career, Nichols has extensive experience collaborating and communicating with local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and citizens. Nichols is known by his colleagues as a team builder, with the ability to bring people together for a common goal.
Nichols holds a Master Peace Officer Certification, a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Administration of Criminal Justice, both from Texas State University. He and his wife, Nicky, have been married for 25 years, and have two adult children.
Pictured above, Chief Nichols takes the Oath of Office, administered by Mayor Haynes. Below are more photos from the ceremony.
Mrs. Nichols pins the Chief’s badge to his uniform.
Sheriff Caldwell administers the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to Chief Nichols.
Mayor Haynes and Chief Nichols visit after the ceremony.
City Manager Emily Crawford (left) welcomes Chief Nichols and wife, Nicky.
