By Police1 Staff
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s interim chief has been lauded for his leadership during a string of bombings that terrorized the city, with some calling for him to become the department’s permanent chief.
KVUE reports that Interim Austin Chief Brian Manley was given a 20-second standing ovation during a city council meeting on Thursday. Mayor Steve Adler and other city council members commended the chief for his leadership throughout the investigation of a string of bombings that killed two and injured others.
“Collectively, this dais and this community thank you for the work that you’ve done. The officers in the back of the room, many I saw out on the street over the last two weeks, you guys did just a hell of a job, and the entire community is indebted to you,” Adler said.
https://twitter.com/KVUE/status/976903971641200640
For nearly three weeks, the Austin PD worked with federal agents to track down the man suspected of setting off bombs in the Austin area. The suspect was tracked down but died after he detonated his own device in his car as police closed in on him.
Houston Chief Art Acevedo, who’s the former chief of the Austin PD, said Manley should become the department’s permanent chief, according to KXAN.
“Now let’s remove that interim title & build the Department which is long overdue. Congratulations,” Acevedo said on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/AshleyG_KVUE/status/976865500167852032
Manley has been the department’s interim chief since December 2016 after Acevedo departed for Houston. The search for a permanent chief has been delayed by departures and a search for a new city manager.
City Manager Spencer Cronk, who was hired in December 2017, would be the one to recommend that Manley become the permanent chief. He said it could take weeks to make his decision, but he’s seen Manley’s leadership through the bombings.
If recommended, the city council would need to affirm Manley’s position.
https://twitter.com/emilie_ikeda/status/976867053398364161