Taylor Considers Former Austin Police Chief as Finalist for Top Cop Role

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The city of Taylor, Texas has announced four finalists in its search for a new police chief, including former Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon. Chacon, who retired from the Austin PD in 2023, is up against the current interim Taylor chief, a former Levelland police chief, and the Universal City police chief. Taylor officials held public meet-and-greet sessions with the finalists last week to gather community feedback before making a final decision.

Why it matters

The selection of a new police chief is a critical decision for any city, as the top cop plays a key role in setting the tone and priorities for the department. Chacon's candidacy is notable given his high-profile tenure leading the Austin PD during a turbulent period marked by officer shortages, criminal cases tied to protest tactics, and heightened community scrutiny.

The details

The four finalists are: Joseph Chacon, the former Austin police chief who retired in 2023; Joseph Branson, the current interim Taylor police chief; Albert Garcia, the former Levelland police chief; and Johnny Siemens, the Universal City police chief. Taylor officials held public meet-and-greet sessions with the candidates last week to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback before making a final decision on the next police chief.

• The city of Taylor has been searching for a new police chief since September 2025, when former chief Henry Fluck retired.
• The four finalists were announced on February 22, 2026.

What’s next

City leaders in Taylor have not indicated when they expect to make a final decision on the next police chief.