Assistant chief Joe Wiser named new chief of police

The Waxahachie City Council unanimously approved Joe Wiser as the new chief of police during its meeting Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Current Chief Wade Goolsby will retire Sept. 30; Wiser will step into the role Oct. 1.

“As we’re looking to replace him (Goolsby), I really had to look no further than the walls of Waxahachie PD,” city manager Michael Scott said. Wiser serves as the assistant chief under Goolsby and has served as a police officer in Waxahachie for more than 30 years.

After announcing his initial selection of Wiser, Scott said he received multiple calls and letters of support from city staff, Wiser’s colleagues and also people outside of Waxahachie. Goolsby addressed the council members before they made their vote and explained to them how great it has been working in Waxahachie. He said he had luxuries most chiefs don’t have when they retire.

“To go even further, I’ve got the luxury of knowing who my successor is, and you don’t get to know that very often,” Goolsby said. “And on top of that, I have the luxury of knowing what a quality successor is coming in behind me. I can leave knowing that Joe will do a great job.

“He is going to do a fantastic job,” he said. “He is a part of this community. He has more invested in it than anybody in the department.”

“To say I’m humbled would be a tremendous understatement; I’m humbled to my core,” Wiser said to the council. “To say I’m honored would be insufficient; I am both honored and blessed beyond what I could ever imagine. … I pledge to the citizens of Waxahachie my continued efforts to ensure they receive excellent services along with my pledge for their protection.”

“It (the transition) should be seamless,” Goolsby previously told the Sun. “I think it’s great for the organization, and I’m really excited for him to be chief.” Originally published September 7, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/assistant-chief-joe-wiser-named-new-chief-of-police/article_1739d26e-2ec9-11ed-bf6a-37dc928aa1c2.html