KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 19, 2018
Jennifer Lynn Greenway and Natalie Cook Clark
On Tuesday, December 18, the Katy Police Department announced the retirement of Chief Bill Hastings after 32 years on the force. He's retiring from the police department but not from serving Katy. Now Bill Hastings has announced he is running for Katy Mayor.
(Photo by Tiffany Lanza for Katy Magazine)
Retiring on January 15, 2019
"The police department is in a good place," said Chief Hastings. "I've had a chance to work with so many great people. It's the officers that are the ones that do the most work. I owe all my success to them."
Assistant Chief Jim Tyler, who has served under Hastings for 10 years, will serve as Interim Chief of Katy Police when Hastings retires January 15, 2019. Hastings was not aware of any plans beyond that.
In his resignation letter, Chief Hastings stated his retirement date would be January 15, 2019. He thanked everyone that mentored him and helped him along the way allowing him to advance in his career. Chief Hastings also thanked the City of Katy and citizens of Katy. To read his full resignation letter. (See below).
Running for Mayor Against Brawner
"I love this community and it's people and I feel like I have something else to offer." Hastings sat down Tuesday with current Katy Mayor, Chuck Brawner, and shared his intention to run for mayor in the May election.
Mayor Brawner also announced today that he will be seeking re-election. "Serving Katy has been a distinct honor and I would be humbled to serve one more term to complete the work we have begun together," said Mayor Brawner. "The families of Katy were at the center of my campaign when I ran for Mayor and our Katy families remain the center of my re-election campaign to keep Katy on the right track."
Not Done Serving Katy
"You work all your life to retire and you have these ideas of what retirement looks like. My wife and I have looked at hundreds houses out near Lake Livingston but neither of us can leave," said Hastings. "We've been fooling ourselves over what retirement should be like. I'm not done serving Katy."
Chief Hastings was named one of Katy Magazine's "People of the Year" in 2017 due to his leadership during Hurricane Harvey. During Chief Hastings' time in Katy, he has worked through six natural disasters. He was instrumental in setting up housing for the DPS officers who moved in and out of the city during the Harvey disaster and for several weeks afterwards. He worked 98 hours of overtime, just as many others worked overtime to ensure the people of Katy were safe. To read the full article, click here.
Hasting's daughter, Brittany Hastings Spear, wrote a touching tribute to her dad as news of his retirement spread, "My dad is retiring after 43 incredible years of service! He is truly one of a kind. His ability to lead is unparalleled, and his ability to love is even greater! He has the biggest heart and cares so much for his city and everyone he works with. This decision was not taken lightly and I know he will be greatly missed at the department, but his legacy will continue through all of the incredible officers that continue to serve. I love you so much daddy and am so incredibly proud to be your daughter!"
Bill Hastings was hired by Police Chief Pat Adams in 1986. Hastings still recalls a moment when Adams had asked him where he's see himself in 5 years, in 10 years and so on. "I told him that I want to sit where you're sitting," Hastings recalls. His goal came true. After 43 years of serving Katy Hastings is ready for the next chapter.
"Serving this community is all I've ever known and all I want to do," said Hastings. "I'm excited for what's next."
Hastings will start campaigning for the Mayor of Katy next month in preparation for the May election. Current Mayor Chuck Brawner's term as Mayor ends May 2019.
Katy Magazine joins the citizens of Katy in honoring Chief Hastings and thanking him for all he has done for our city.
His resignation letter was shared by the Katy Police Department.
