“I proudly make the motion to hire Albert Gallegos, Jr. as Chief of Police,” stated Councilman Josh Bayless during the February 10, 2026, meeting of Fairfield City Council. “You’ve done a great job. Congratulations!”
“I’m honored to know and work with Albert,” said Interim Mayor Bobby Nichols. “He’s earned it!”
“I am honored to have been appointed Chief of Police for the City of Fairfield,” stated Chief Gallegos. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me by city leadership and the community. Our department has developed a tradition of service, and I am committed to building on that foundation through community-focused policing and proactive crime prevention.”
He went on to say, “Public safety is best achieved when law enforcement and the community work together. Strengthening partnerships, maintaining transparency, and addressing issues before they become problems will be central to our approach. Equally important is supporting the health, wellness, accountability, and readiness of our officers, who serve with dedication and professionalism every day.”
“I look forward to leading this department with strength, honor, integrity and a shared commitment to keeping our great community safe,” he concluded.
Albert attended the Navarro College Police Academy, beginning in Jan 2005 and graduating in May of the same year.
He began his career in law enforcement in September 2005 with the Bellmead Police Department, transferred to Fairfield Police Department in April 2009, was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police in 2022, and was appointed as Interim Chief of Police in November 2025 following Chief David Utsey’s retirement.
Also, at the February 10 meeting, Council approved the following:
–Order of Election for the May 2, 2026, General Election for the City of Fairfield
–Election contract with Freestone County Elections Administrator
–Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 annual budget to transfer $55,134.27 from the General Fund Parks Line Item 01-5-14-6105-Asset Improvements to the General Fund Police Department Line Item 01-5-16-6102-Asset Equipment
–Purchase order in the amount of $55,134.27 to Mal Technologies Fleet, LLC for the purchase of Portable Radios for the Police Department
–Submission of Resolution 2026-10-02 Rifle Resistant Body Armor to the Office of the Governor accepting a 100% paid grant for the protection of officers
–Purchase order to Wheco Controls for nine lift stations and MIMS SCADA upgrades in the amount of $135,000.00
–Purchase Order to Utility Solutions for leak repairs on Main Street and Love Street for $30,160.00
–Amended contract with Safebuilt adding additional services. Fees apply only if services are used.
Fairfield City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The City of Fairfield office is located at 527 East Commerce Street in Fairfield. They may be reached by calling 903-389-2633.
(Photo at Top) APPOINTED AS THE NEW CHIEF OF POLICE for the City of Fairfield Police Department is Albert Gallegos, Jr. Proudly at his side are his wife, Stacy, and daughters, Abi and Ava. (Photo by Nicole Schaefer)
