“This profession is more than a job; it is a calling, one I take seriously and look forward to each day,” explains Fairfield Police Department’s new Assistant Chief of Police, Harold Lee Markham, III.
Continuing with our introduction of the new leadership at Fairfield PD, this week’s article will feature Harold, his background and goals for the department.
Originally from Ennis, Texas, Harold is married to Staci, and has 6 kids, (3 are his and 3 are step-kids).
When asked why he chose to become a police officer, he replies, “I was raised in a family of civil servants like firefighters, military members, and myself as the only law enforcement officer. From an early age, service to others was a constant presence in my life.”
A quote he feels applies, seen on a tv show based on law enforcement, is ‘We do this job when no one else can.’ To him, this means that being the person others turn to in their most difficult moments can be challenging, but if he expects someone to be there for him in a time of need, then he has a responsibility to be that person for others.
Harold attended Navarro Police Academy at their Waxahachie campus and graduated in May 2009.
Upon graduation, many agencies in the area were under a hiring freeze. In September of that year, he began his career in law enforcement as a reserve officer with the City of Garrett, just north of Ennis near the drive-in theater.
In October of the same year, with the assistance of a longtime friend employed by the department, he was given the opportunity to join Fairfield PD and he says, “That opportunity proved to be a significant turning point in my career.”
In 2011, after the hiring freeze was lifted in Kaufman County where he had previously applied, he was offered a position and made the decision to take that job to work closer to home. However, over the next two years he realized that leaving Fairfield PD was not the right decision for him.
In 2013 he returned to Fairfield PD and then relocated his family to Fairfield in 2017 to ensure that he remained committed to both the department and the community.
Harold began his career at Fairfield PD as a patrol officer, was promoted to patrol supervisor, and later to the position of Sergeant of Criminal Investigations Division, the first of that title at Fairfield PD. He remained in that position until he was promoted to his current seat as Assistant Chief.
“Chief Gallegos appointed me the Assistant Chief on February 18, 2026, just a few days after his official appointment to Chief from the interim status,” Harold explains.
According to him, it is difficult to identify the single greatest asset at the PD’s disposal. “We are fortunate to have strong support from many areas,” he says. “The citizens of Fairfield consistently show their support, and without that, our job would be significantly more challenging. We are also supported by a Mayor and City Council who take the time to listen and to understand the needs of the department. Their willingness to engage and provide support plays an important role in our daily operations.”
He goes on to say, “In addition, other City of Fairfield staff contribute in meaningful ways. Our front office personnel, for example, assist by answering phones and directing calls, often beyond the scope of their primary duties, and do so with a positive and professional attitude. We are surrounded by individuals who support this department every day, and that support does not go unnoticed. It is greatly appreciated and remains essential to our ability to serve the community effectively.”
When asked what he sees as the biggest challenge facing Fairfield PD and how they might overcome it, he states, “Staffing continues to be one of the biggest challenges we face. The patrol officers we currently have are highly dedicated and do an outstanding job serving this community. Our focus is on finding more individuals with that same level of commitment to fill the remaining open positions.”
He goes on to say, “At this time, we have two cadets attending the police academy at Navarro College in Corsicana, and we are confident they will be strong additions to the department upon completion of their training. Our goals moving forward are to fully staff the department by filling the remaining two positions and to implement a competitive pay scale that will help retain qualified officers and provide long-term stability within the department.”
According to Harold, the department has been making steady progress toward becoming a more modern and efficient agency. “Since Chief Gallegos took office, several important upgrades have been put in place to better serve the community and support our officers in the field,” he explains.
Patrol vehicles are now equipped with in-car computers, allowing officers to complete citations and reports without having to return to the station. This keeps officers out in the community longer and improves response times.
The PD has also installed License Plate Reader (LPR) systems along roadways. These systems help identify stolen vehicles, locate wanted individuals, and assist in finding missing or endangered persons, including elderly drivers. The information collected is shared through a secure database that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies across Texas and in other states, improving coordination and effectiveness.
In addition, officers have been issued new handheld radios. Clear and reliable communication is essential for officer safety. These upgraded radios provide a strong, consistent connection with dispatch and other officers, helping ensure quick coordination when it matters most.
These updates, plus a few more future plans, are part of their continued effort to improve how they serve and protect the community.
In closing, Harold would like to extend a tremendous ‘Thank You’ to his family. “When the decision was made to move to Fairfield, we were not sure if everyone was ready. It was an easy decision for my wife and I, but my older boys were in their high school years. We worried that there might be some level of resentment for taking them away from their friends and comfort zone. Instead, they jumped at the opportunity and thrived here as Fairfield Eagles playing football, basketball, and baseball. My youngest was just starting Kindergarten so Fairfield is really all he remembers!”
Next, he wants the public to know that they have a fantastic Chief in Albert Gallegos. “He has a plan with the skills and knowledge to take us there,” says Harold. “I thank him for having faith in me to do my part, and for recognizing the hard work of every officer here.”
He concludes, saying, “Lastly, this community has accepted my family and I with open arms! I have felt at home here from the first shift I worked with the police department all those years ago. It is easy to love the job you do when you have the support of a great community.”
Next week, as part of our annual Everyday Heroes special section, we will introduce you to the rest of the department with short bios and photos of each officer.
