ABILENE, Texas — The City of Abilene announced Friday morning it has named Marcus Dudley Jr. as its new police chief to replace current Chief Stan Standridge.
Dudley is the division chief of policy and compliance for the Aurora Police Department in Colorado.
In February 2020, Standridge sent a letter of intent to leave employment to the City, saying he's leaving his post and seeking employment elsewhere.
“Mr. Dudley exhibits the servant leadership, commitment to fairness, and professional expertise that is necessary to lead one of the best police departments in the state of Texas. APD has a legacy of excellence, and under Chief Dudley’s leadership and management, I am certain that this legacy of excellence will continue well into the future,” Abilene City Manager Robert Hanna said.
Hanna made the final hiring decision after working in close consultation with the police chief search committee, led by former Abilene Police Chief Melvin Martin. The search committee also consisted of three APD officers, Taylor County District Attorney James Hicks, Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop and Abilene Police Foundation President Joy Ellinger.
“We had an outstanding committee and three awesome candidates in our final selection who highly impressed our committee and community members. However, one finalist stood out among the rest; congratulations to Chief Marcus Dudley! We welcome you to our great city, and welcome you to our even greater police department,” Martin said.
“I am excited for this opportunity to serve alongside the women and men of the Abilene Police Department. Throughout the selection process, Mr. Hanna and the Police Chief Search Committee demonstrated their commitment to ensuring a good fit for the family atmosphere that exists in Abilene. I recognize the City had many great leaders to choose from, and I am honored to be their choice. My family and I look forward to becoming a part of such a welcoming community,” Dudley said.
Dudley will begin work as Abilene’s Chief of Police Jan. 1, 2021.
