Eric Mendez, Austin ISD’s chief of police, was announced as the incoming chief of police for Cy-Fair ISD this morning. He will replace Chief Alan Bragg, who is retiring in June after 45 years in law enforcement. “Chief Mendez was selected from a strong pool of applicants," CFISD Superintendent Mark Henry said. "Given his extensive experience and leadership in school district law enforcement, we are fortunate to have him join the CFISD family." Mendez has 27 years of law enforcement experience. He has served on the Austin ISD police force since 1999, including the last five years as chief of police. Before Austin ISD, Mendez served nine years with the Kingsville Police Department as a patrolman/field training officer, corporal and sergeant/field training coordinator. Mendez earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration from the University of Phoenix and his master's in criminal justice administration and leadership from Sam Houston State University. He also completed Leadership Command College at the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State. “This is a great opportunity, not just professionally but also personally,” said Mendez, whose mother, brother and sister-in-law reside in CFISD. “I look forward to the professional challenges and growth I am going to have there, and to be close to family again.” Mendez anticipates starting in CFISD the week of June 19.