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Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda has been named assistant city manager effective immediately and will continue leading the police department.
City Manager Helen Ramirez announced the appointment on May 23, congratulating Sauceda on the new position, formerly held by Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport Director Bryant Walker. The position has been vacant for more than a year.
“His extensive experience and commitment to excellence and service to our Brownsville community will further strengthen our executive leadership team and the city manager’s office,” Ramirez said. “His leadership will undoubtedly enhance the services we provide our community, not only within public safety but within other key departments.”
Among Sauceda’s responsibilities will be to help develop and implement long- and short-range strategic plans and initiatives, while “leading operational departments and functional components within the city’s overarching goals and objectives,” according to the announcement. The city dual role highlights its “commitment to efficient governance, community policing, public safety and service to its community.”
Sauceda, a 31-year veteran with the city, was made police sergeant in 2008, after which he supervised the patrol division, special investigative unit, and property and evidence division, and served as jail administrator. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2016, serving as shift commander before being assigned an administrative lieutenant attached to the Commander’s Office.
Sauceda became chief of police in April 2019. In December 2022, he received a Congressional Recognition Certificate in honor and appreciation for his service to the community of Brownsville.
“I am immensely grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “I look forward to maintaining my commitment to the leadership of the Brownsville Police Department while also working closely with City Manager Ramirez and our dedicated city departments and employees. This new role allows me to further serve our great city and its wonderful residents.”
Sauceda earned a master of science in police administration from the University of Texas at Pan American in 2006, a bachelor of science in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2001, and graduated from Gladys Porter High School 1991.
He is a Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College graduate, holds Master Peace Officer certification, serves as an executive board member for the Texas Police Association and Texas Anti-Gang Association, is a state-certified police instructor, and is certified by the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.
