As previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper, Runnels is replacing longtime KISD Police Chief David Kimberly, who announced his retirement in June earlier this year.
According to KISD officials, Runnels is a Houston native who was born and raised in the Fifth Ward and graduated from Barbara Jordan High School. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in administration of justice from Texas Southern University and has 16 years of policing experience, including nearly a decade with KISD.
Prior to his current role, Runnels served as KISD's assistant chief and police sergeant; Montgomery ISD's chief of police; a Galveston County sheriff's deputy; and a Conroe Police Department probationary patrol officer. According to district officials, Runnels also served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and experienced combat in Iraq.
According to district officials, Runnels will be the first Black police chief in KISD history. For more information about KISD's Police Department, click here.
