Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said Dawes announced his retirement from the Humble Police Department in early August, and his last day will be Oct. 1.
"We’re hoping to hire a dynamic leader that understands our community and some of the challenges that we face—not just here locally, but is sensitive to the national conversation that is going on," Stuebe said.
The city has received 11 applications for the position. Council will narrow the decision down to two finalists during the Oct. 1 executive session, but a decision will not be made following the closed session, Stuebe said. He said he hopes to pick the new police chief by Oct. 15.
Dawes has been with the department for 33 years, according to his biography on the police department's website. He first began working for the HPD in 1987 as a reserve police officer shortly after he graduated from the University of Houston Police Academy. He was hired as a full-time officer in 1989, moving up the ranks over the next few decades until he was promoted to chief of police on Nov. 2, 2015, according to the website.
During his almost five years as police chief, Dawes said he is proud of improving the quality of life for Humble citizens as well as managing a team of 99 sworn-in officers and civilian personnel.
"I want everyone to feel safe and secure when they come to the city of Humble, and that's a big responsibility," he said in a Sept. 30 phone interview.
In retirement, Dawes said he looks forward to spending time with his wife, four daughters and seven grandchildren. He also plans to spend his retirement attending church, hunting, traveling, gardening, beekeeping and tending to his various farm animals.
Dawes thanked the community for their support and offered some advice for the incoming police chief.
"You recognize problems based on ethics and morals; you solve them, though, with integrity and perseverance," he said. "Thank you to everybody that appreciates us, and thank you to every young man and young woman that's willing to put that [uniform] on and make that sacrifice."
