Lakeway council affirms hire of new police chief

After a months-long interview process, Lakeway has hired Glen Koen as the new police chief.

Koen comes to Lakeway from the Mukilteo Police Department in Washington state where he served as assistant police chief. Koen is a graduate of Round Rock High School and the University of Texas. Koen also served as a patrol officer, sergeant, detective sergeant, inspector and academy commander as a member of the UT Police Department, according to a Lakeway press release.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Lakeway community and contribute to the great work being done by the men and women of the Lakeway Police Department,” Koen said in a statement. “Lakeway is a special place with leaders who are focused on responsible government and building a strong and healthy community”

Lakeway City Council members unanimously approved a resolution at a Nov.1 meeting affirming the hire of Koen.

“I’m confident that Chief Koen will set the example for and professionally lead the Lakeway Police Department,” Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore said in a written statement. “Chief Koen shares our vision for a department that is fully trained, fully equipped and led from the front.”

Koen was hired after a months-long process led by Lakeway City Manager Julie Oakley and an advisory committee made up in part of retired police chiefs from Bee Cave and Harker Heights. Mayor Kilgore and council members Steve Smith and Gretchen Vance were also participants on the committee. Community surveys were also taken to obtain feedback on the hiring process, Oakley said during remarks to council before Koen was introduced to council.

Koen's first day on the job is Nov. 22, according to information provided by the city of Lakeway.