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The city of Pharr appointed Juan F. Gonzalez to the position of chief of police during a city commission meeting Monday.
Gonzalez, who has served as interim police chief since September 2022, was appointed with unanimous approval from the commission.
“As you guys know, Chief Gonzales has been serving the city of Pharr as acting police chief since September of last year, and he’s done an excellent job with the police department and representing the city of Pharr and the entire community,” City Manager Anali Alanis said during the meeting. “He’s very well liked in the community and also very well liked and in the city, by his colleagues.”
Prior to taking on the role of chief of police, Gonzalez worked his way up the ranks starting in 2007 when he first joined the Pharr Police Department as a patrol officer.
He has since assumed numerous responsibilities within the department, including with the Criminal Investigations Division, the SWAT team, the South Texas Auto Theft Task Force, as well as serving as deputy chief and assistant chief of police.
In front of his wife, children and family members, Gonzalez addressed the city commission and expressed gratitude for his supporters as well as the commission for offering him the opportunity to lead Pharr’s finest.
“I want to thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “I can tell you that I’m here to continue to serve the community, along with the leaders that we have here in the city, but most and foremost, I’m here for our residents and I’m here for our businesses. I’m here for those visitors that we have and the growth that we’ve experienced here.”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez took a moment to congratulate Gonzalez, while also setting expectations for the police chief as he takes the helm of his department.
“I’m personally excited to see what you can do with this entire team,” Hernandez said. “I know this police department is without question, the best in the entire Rio Grande Valley. We absolutely have the best officers and I’m very proud of what they’ve done.”
And every year gets better, Hernandez said.
“Every year gets better, and every leader that comes through — you’re standing on the shoulders of giants before you,” he continued. “Remember that a lot of people have been there before you and they set it up so you can succeed even better. So please make them and all of us proud.”
