Lufkin Police Chief David Thomas Announces Retirement

After serving the community for more than three decades, Lufkin Police Chief David Thomas has announced his plans to retire effective on January 31, 2026. Thomas shared the news first with his fellow officers in a letter stating, “The best time for a Chief to retire is when the department is thriving, and he can look around with pride at what the team has accomplished. I believe that time has come.”

David Thomas's Career With The Lufkin Police Department

Thomas began his career with the LPD in 1989 and has served in numerous divisions, including Patrol, Investigations, Community Policing, and Special Services. He was appointed Assistant Chief in 2014 and Chief of Police in 2018.

During his 36-year tenure, Thomas prioritized professional development, training, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration. Though he is stepping down from his role as Chief, his commitment to law enforcement continues. Thomas will remain active in the field through his work as an adjunct instructor for the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center, a position he has held since 2004.

City Manager Kevin Gee said Chief Thomas exemplifies the ideals of both leadership and law enforcement professionalism.

“Chief Thomas’s calm demeanor and steadfast professionalism have provided the officers with consistent, clear leadership. In turn, that leadership has cultivated knowledgeable, dedicated officers who protect, serve, and care for our city and its residents every day.”

The City of Lufkin will begin its search for Chief Thomas’s successor in the coming months.