Muleshoe Police Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Gary R. McHone announced his retirement and resignation last week, effective Tuesday, Dec. 21, according to a press release. McHone has served the Muleshoe Police Department for more than three years. 

During his tenure, the department was named a Recognized Police Agency through the Texas Police Chiefs Association in 2019 for the third time and received statewide recognition as one of the safest small cities in Texas, according to Security Baron. The department initiated various community policing programs such as National Night Out, UNIDOS, Coffee with a Cop, Red Ribbon Week, National Drug Take Back and also formed a Police Chaplain Unit. 

During Chief McHone’s tenure, numerous operational advancements took place for the police, 911/ dispatch, emergency management and animal control/code sections of the department. Employee equipment, training, uniforms and compensation were all significantly improved. Also, a partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was established to help focus on narcotics concerns within the community, which has made a major impact. 

McHone is very thankful for the strong community partnerships during the onset of COVID-19, which led to successfully navigating the ever-changing landscape due to the pandemic.  

McHone also served Muleshoe and the law enforcement community through various organizations. He was a member of the South Plains Association of Governments Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, on the Board of Directors for the South Plains Police Chief’s Association, president and member of the Muleshoe Lion’s Club, member of the Muleshoe Rotary Club, and member of the Muleshoe ISD Safety and Security Committee. He was also a member of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and International Police Chiefs Association. 

Before he came to Muleshoe, McHone rose to the rank of Assistant Police Chief for the city of Prosper and oversaw various operations within the department including patrol, investigations, public safety dispatch and community programs, as well as hiring, and was instrumental in the rapid growth of that department. He served there more than 16 years prior to his tenure in Muleshoe. 

His retirement concludes a nearly 30-year career in law enforcement. 

“My best recollections throughout the years have been the times we get to save a life, or at least save someone from their worst day. I can recall numerous times we were able to get there just in time to make a positive impact,” McHone said. “Of course, the best part of the job was the folks who have unselfishly dedicated themselves to serving others. I have been honored to work with some exceptional people over the years, and the respect I have for some of them is far greater than I could ever express in words. 

“I would also like say a huge thank you to retired City Manager LeAnn Gallman for her professionalism and support. Had it not been for these things, the multiple changes needed to move toward a trusted, community-engaged, 21^st century police department wouldn’t have been possible. 

“I truly appreciate all the support from the community during my time here. There are some really good folks in Muleshoe, and I wish them all the best.” 

A Desert Storm veteran, McHone served four years on active duty in the US Air Force as a Security Police Officer.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in homeland security and a master’s degree in criminal justice, both from American Military University. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate, is a Certified Public Manager, a Licensed TCOLE Instructor, a Mental Health Peace Officer, a Crisis Intervention Instructor, and an FBI Command College and Law Enforcement Management Institute graduate. 

He and his wife Susan have six adult children between the two of them and two grandchildren. 

“I am looking forward to returning to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and beginning a new chapter of serving as a law enforcement teacher,” McHone said. “I will also continue to be a law enforcement adviser and subject matter expert for a selection of private companies.”