What residents need to know
The appointment comes after the Aug. 2 announcement of former Police Chief J. Noe Diaz’s move to replace former Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Community Impact reported.
“We really do appreciate all the service that you have given us here and the experience you will bring to the job,” Mayor Dusty Thiele said to Woytek at the Aug. 12 City Council meeting.
Digging in
According to Woytek’s LinkedIn profile, he has served the Katy Police Department for 30 years, beginning as a patroler in 1984. Since 2009, he served as the patrol captain but has also held roles including:
- Patrol sergeant
- K-9 handler
What else?
Additionally, City Council honored Diaz’s five years of service with a certificate of appreciation. Thiele and City Council members shared memories and appreciation to Diaz, including council member Dan Smith.
“I hope that Houston’s residents and officers alike know how fortunate they are to have you,” Smith said. “You have an opportunity to lead that department and make a huge difference. You have done so much for Katy.”
Diaz thanked the staff, and said each person helped him grow and become a better police officer and leader. He was appointed as Katy police chief in March 2019, Community Impact reported.
“This is a very bittersweet moment,” he said. “I’ve always been a person that really has never been about the attention—I’m purpose driven; I’m a pound of stone kind of person. This community gave me a chance; ... you guys took a chance on me through a tough process.”
Community Impact reached out to the city of Katy to get more information about the police chief search process and timeline, but a response was not returned by press time.
