KATY MAGAZINE l JUNE 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy Magazine is profiling a series of notable first responders in our Everyday Heroes section.
J. Noe Diaz
Chief - Katy Police Department
Inspired by State Troopers
As a child Diaz was always fascinated with police shows, but growing up in a rural South Texas community, he rarely got to see law enforcement around town. The only police presence Diaz saw was an occasional state trooper responding to an automobile accident.
"Seeing the state troopers up close was the seed that put me on this path, but I had no idea at the time, that the seed, would lead me to become a Deputy Constable at Harris County Precinct #5, and then a state trooper."
Last March, J. Noe Diaz was sworn in as the Chief for the Katy Police Department after Chief Bill Hastings announced his retirement. Prior to being named City of Katy Police Chief, Diaz worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety for 23 years and has spent 11 years as a Texas Ranger.
During his time as a state trooper, Chief Diaz got to know Sergeant CR Sinderud, who still mentors him to this day. "He showed me that hard work and discipline could lead me anywhere I wanted to go within the Texas Department of Public Safety," says Diaz.
Grateful for Mentors
Diaz is extremely grateful to those who have helped him along the way in his career.
"My first Field Training Officer, Rick Muniz, was also a great mentor and still remains a lifelong friend," explains Diaz. "Rick was instrumental in my transition from a uniformed trooper to the Narcotics Division of the State Police, where I had the privilege of working closely with members of the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department as well as the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ), and the FBI which all culminated into realizing a childhood dream of becoming a Texas Ranger."
"At every step, I took a small piece from everyone I met on this journey, which led me to where I am today, as the Chief of Police of the Katy Police Department," says Diaz.
Family Man
Diaz married his wife, Sheila in 2011. She works in the banking industry and together they have two children - Aaron, 4 and Chloe, 3. Diaz has two adult children, from a previous marriage, Justin and Stephanie, who both graduated from Morton Ranch High School.
Katy Magazine would like to thank Chief Diaz for his service and for all he does for the City of Katy.