City confirms Gary Williamson as new Chief of Police

City of Lockhart

The City of Lockhart will welcome seasoned law enforcement professional Gary Williamson as its new police chief following a thorough search and interview process.

The City Council confirmed Williamson’s appointment by City Manager Steven Lewis last week. Williamson and his wife attended the City Council meeting.
Williamson, who has served in the public safety sector for 24 years, has served as chief of police in El Campo, Texas since 2020 and has more than 12 years of command-level experience using a community-oriented policing model to reduce crime by collaborating with community partners and building relationships with citizens.
“Gary’s depth of law enforcement experience, community engagement and responsiveness make him an excellent fit for Lockhart,” Lewis said. “He is passionate about public safety and deeply values building community relationships.”
Williamson was selected from a pool of 21 applicants, five semifinalists and two finalists and was chosen for the position following an independent public safety panel interview, an interview with the city manager and an open house that gave the community an opportunity to meet with the finalists.
Lockhart will host a public event to welcome Williamson when he begins as the new police chief on April 10.
“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity the City of Lockhart has offered me,” Williamson said. “I look forward to working with the men and women of the Lockhart Police Department, city council, city staff, community partners and citizens.”
Prior to becoming the chief of El Campo’s 43-person police department, he served as its assistant chief of police for El Campo Police from 2010-2020 and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of El Campo from 2012-2020.
Williamson’s accomplishments while serving as El Campo’s police chief include adding technology to increase department efficiency, officer situational awareness and maximize the time officers spend in the field; implementing data-driven approaches to crime and traffic safety to reduce crime and crashes; and securing grant funding for equipment and K-9 to implement an interdiction unit to combat illegal narcotics and human trafficking along with other equipment for the department.
His numerous professional and civic affiliations include The Texas Police Chiefs Association, the FBI National Academy Associates, Texas Police Association, Texas Municipal Police Association, Rotary International, Knights of Columbus and Emergency Management Association of Texas.
Williamson is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the prestigious FBI National Academy.