HITCHCOCK — A veteran lawman given a unanimous nod to temporarily fill Hitchcock’s top cop spot said he’s honored to lead the department until the position is filled early next year.
Clay Kennelly, 56, a native of Hitchcock, was appointed to the post by Mayor Anthony Matranga. The mayor’s selection received support from all five city commissioners.
“He’s experienced and able to be interim chief,” Matranga said.
The appointment begins with the Dec. 4 retirement of Chief Glenn Manis.
Kennelly, who worked in law enforcement for 29 years, let his peace officer license expire, but that won’t keep him from filling the post, Kennelly, Matranga and a state official confirmed.
“He can’t carry a gun, but he can be an administrator,” Matranga said. “We checked with the proper personnel, and he’s going to do what needs to be done in order to be recertified.”
Kennelly would need to take online classes.
“If the chief has to put on a uniform and patrol, then why have I got a bunch of folks working for me?” Kennelly asked. “Gun belts are a heavy bother. And few chiefs tote a pistol. You’re an agency administrator. Your job is to enforce the law but not necessarily be enforcing the law.”
Kennelly’s roots as a lawman began in his teens.
“I first worked in law enforcement at the Hitchcock Police Department,” Kennelly said. “I started as a dispatcher when I was 17.”
Kennelly worked at the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, as a Texas City police officer and returned to Hitchcock in 1985.
He was chief there for about five years.
Kennelly also worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety as a technical assistance contractor, running debris-removal operations after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The city of Hitchcock will accept applications for the chief’s position through Jan. 8, Matranga said.
Kennelly, however, said he doesn’t yet know whether his resume will be among them.
“It’s a distinct possibility,” Kennelly said. “I would look at that opportunity, but I haven’t decided yet.”
