Bellaire names Jason D. Hester as new police chief

After a monthslong search, the city of Bellaire has named Jason D. Hester the new chief of police.

What we know

Hester previously worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety, where he started his career in 1998 as a highway patrol trooper.

In 2023, he was promoted from assistant chief of the regulatory services division to chief of DPS’s infrastructure operations division.

Additionally, Hester is a former commissioner of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He currently serves on the national board of the FBI National Academy and has developed curricula on subjects such as use of force, firearms, driving and leadership.

“Chief Hester stood out for his deep knowledge of Texas law, understanding of data‑informed policing and thoughtful approach to community policing,” City Manager Sharon Citino said. “He is committed to working alongside, supporting and developing department staff and to meeting the expectations of City Council and the community."

The backstory

The position became available after the retirement of Police Chief Onesimo Lopez in December, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The city's announcement of Lopez's retirement came after an internal investigation that involved Lopez being placed on paid administrative leave in late November. A statement from the city noted that the leave was due to "an employment matter."

Since Lopez’s last day in December, Lt. Shane O'Sullivan has served as the interim chief of police.

Hester will start May 18.