GONZALES — It’s official: Keith Wise is the new police chief of Gonzales, a decision made by the city after seeing him in action over the past year.
“He’s been serving as Interim and Acting Police Chief over the last year at various times,” said Rene Mendez, city manager. “After a lot of discussion and watching him do the job, I feel that it’s in the best interests of the city to appoint him chief of police.”
According to Mendez, Wise has been with the Gonzales Police Department for 25 years and has seen a lot of transition within the department. Wise has been working as the Interim Police Chief since April 2016, according to a news release issued by the City of Gonzales.
“I would like to thank the City Council and City Manager Rene Mendez for the opportunity and for having confidence in my ability to lead the police department as your police chief,” Wise said. “It’s a great privilege and it’s my honor to do so.”
Wise said he is looking forward to continuing the work that is underway as well as working with the City Council, city manager, officers and the community to share ideas. He also wants to work on the short and long term goals to enhance police service and better serve the community.
Wise has 31 years of law enforcement experience and started his career with the Gonzales Police Department in 1992.
He rose through the ranks, receiving a promotion to corporal in 1994, sergeant in 1997 and deputy police chief in 2014.
Wise will oversee 13 sworn police officers and three civilian positions at the Gonzales Police Department.
Wise was introduced as the Police Chief at the City Council meeting Oct. 2 by Mendez. Members of the police department were also in attendance to show support for Wise in his new role.
