Ellenburg has been serving as interim police chief following Greg Conley’s move to director of public safety in October. Ellenburg has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and 27 years with the McKinney Police Department, according to a city news release. He will be sworn in Dec. 6 during the McKinney City Council meeting.
"Appointing a leader for our police department is among the most critical decisions we make as a city, and we know that Chief Ellenburg is the right person for the job,” Mayor George Fuller said in the release. “He understands our city and neighborhoods and is well-respected by our officers and community members. We are confident he will continue to lead the department forward.”
Ellenburg began his career in law enforcement in 1992 with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. He was hired by the McKinney Police Department in 1995, and he has risen through the ranks working in a variety of divisions, ultimately ascending to the assistant chief of operations position in 2013, according to the city news release.
“Chief Ellenburg has a thorough understanding and appreciation for our organization’s culture and values of respect, integrity, service and excellence,” City Manager Paul Grimes said in the release. “We know he will continue to embrace these during his tenure as chief of police and continue the department’s strong history of servant leadership.”
Ellenburg is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum and the Texas Police Chiefs Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from LeTourneau University in Longview. He is also a graduate of the 264th session of the FBI National Academy and a 2022 graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police.
“I know the men and women of the McKinney Police Department well and know they are people you can count on. I’m honored and humbled to lead them forward,” Ellenburg said in the release. “Our success is dependent on building strong internal and external relationships, which is something our people do well day in and day out. Thank you to the city manager, City Council, our department and the citizens of McKinney for allowing me to serve in this new capacity.”
