Wichita Falls Police Chief Borrego Retires After 44 Years

Borrego's retirement marks the end of a four-decade career focused on modernizing city policies and public safety training.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:10pm

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Wichita Falls Police Department Chief Manuel Borrego is retiring on February 28 after 44 years of service with the department. Borrego has spent over four decades with the department and has worked to modernize the force during his tenure. City leaders praised Borrego's dedication and commitment to public service, and stated that the upcoming leadership change will be an opportunity to continue strengthening the Police Department for the future.

Why it matters

Chief Borrego's retirement marks the end of an era for the Wichita Falls Police Department, which has undergone significant changes and modernization efforts under his leadership over the past four decades. The transition in leadership presents an opportunity for the city to build upon the foundation Borrego has established and further strengthen the department's policies, procedures, and public safety initiatives.

The details

Borrego will begin leave immediately while the current command staff manages daily police operations. The city will launch a national search for a new permanent police chief, and Deputy Chief Vaughn will oversee daily operations during the transition period. City leaders have stated that the Police Department will continue to provide critical services to the community as they prepare for the next phase of strengthening training, policies, and procedures.

  • Chief Borrego will retire on February 28, 2026.
  • Borrego will begin leave immediately, with the current command staff managing daily police operations.

The players

Manuel Borrego

Wichita Falls Police Department Chief who is retiring after 44 years of service with the department.

Tim Short

Mayor of Wichita Falls, who praised Borrego for his long-term commitment to the city.

Jeff Jenkins

Wichita Falls City Manager, who described Borrego's retirement as part of a broader realignment for the department.

Deputy Chief Vaughn

Will oversee daily operations during the leadership transition period.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the Wichita Falls community, a place I'm proud to call home, has been the honor of my life. I have had the privilege of serving with many dedicated professionals committed to public safety. Together, we have strengthened training, modernized policies and established a solid foundation for continued progress. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served this community and I'm confident the department will continue moving forward.”

— Manuel Borrego, Police Chief

“Chief Borrego has served this community with dedication and professionalism for more than 40 years, an incredible testament to public service. We thank him for his leadership and the foundation of future progress he helped build. This period of transition in leadership is an opportunity to continue strengthening the Police Department for the future.”

— Tim Short, Mayor

“As the chief's remarkable tenure comes to an end, we are committed to a transition aligned with where the department needs to go next. The Police Department will continue to provide critical services to our community as we begin the next phase of strengthening training, policies and procedures.”

— Jeff Jenkins, City Manager

What’s next

The city will launch a national search for a new permanent police chief, and additional information regarding the next steps in the hiring process is expected to be released in the coming days.

The takeaway

Chief Borrego's retirement marks the end of an era for the Wichita Falls Police Department, but it also presents an opportunity for the city to build upon the foundation he has established and further strengthen the department's policies, procedures, and public safety initiatives. The transition in leadership will be handled with a focus on future improvements, ensuring that the Police Department continues to provide critical services to the community.