City of Fairfield names Sergeant David Utsey as Fairfield Police Department’s new Chief of Police during the Tuesday, February 12, 2019 City Council Meeting.
Chief Utsey has served Fairfield PD for the nearly 15 years, though his time in law enforcement dates back 27 years to 1992.
“I have always wanted to be in law enforcement,” says Chief Utsey. “It’s just something I always had the desire for, I can’t explain why.”
He goes on to say that in 1991 he spoke with then Freestone County Sheriff Sonny Sessions, Jr. about his desire to serve the community and was offered to go on a ride-along with Captain Hugh Whitaker. The following day, he began the Police Academy through Freestone County Sheriff’s Office.
In June of 1992, he earned his Basic Reserve License and began his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy for FCSO.
On May 20, 1993, he received his Peace Officer’s License; and in 1993 went full-time with the County.
While there, Chief Utsey served under Sheriff Sonny Sessions, Jr. and Sheriff Ralph Billings.
In September of 2003 is when he made the move from County to City law enforcement.
On September 10th, he began his career with Fairfield PD as a reserve officer under then Chief of Police Mike Faulkner.
March 18, 2004 Chief Utsey became a full-time officer; and in 2012 was promoted from the position of Officer to Sergeant under Chief Kenny Bulger.
Chief Bulger retired at the end of November 2018 and Utsey was named as Interim Chief of Police on December 11, 2018.
His official start date as Chief of Police was Tuesday, February 12th when Fairfield City Council unanimously approved his appointment to the position.
“I love what I do and getting to be hands on,” says Chief Utsey. “I like being involved with the public and getting to know the people of the community that I serve, I love to get in the department’s truck and add the back rack with lights to patrol the city. I really enjoy working with the good people of Fairfield.”
“I have gotten a lot of citizen support and I truly appreciate it, as well as the confidence the Council has placed in me to serve in this position.”
Chief Utsey says that his main goals are to make the department the best it can be and to get and keep the department fully staffed.
“We are a tight family here,” he says. “Moral is doing very good because all of us are working as a team to keep it that way.”
He continues, “We are doing our very best to take care of the citizens, which is our main priority. They are always welcome to call or come by to discuss any issues or problems they may have; or even if they just want to chat. The door is always open.”
Chief Utsey is a member of the Fairfield Police Association, the Texas Municipal Police Association, and a 30-year Mason with the Boggy Masonic Lodge #739 of Teague.
He and his wife, Lynn, have six adult children and nine grandchildren.
Congratulations to Chief Utsey on this promotion!
