Fairfield’s Chief of Police, David Utsey (above, left), announced his retirement during the special called meeting of Fairfield City Council on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

“I am thankful to the citizens, the mayor, past mayors, council, past council, and the PD for all the support I’ve received over the years,” he stated. “It’s like leaving a family.”

Chief Utsey began his career in law enforcement in 1991, working for the Freestone County Sheriff’s office. On March 18, 2004, he switched over to the City of Fairfield Police Department and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2019. With a 33-year career, he is set to retire at the end of November.

He says that the best part of the job is the people he works with.

Prior to an executive session to discuss who should be appointed as Interim Chief of Police, Corporal Scarrow, an 8-year veteran of Fairfield PD, gave a lengthy speech, touting the virtues of Assistant Chief of Police, Albert Gallegos (above, right), and why he and the rest of the department believe Gallegos should be chosen for that position.

A few highlights from that speech include the following:

–“I’ve learned countless valuable things from Albert over the years, not just regarding my profession, but he has also taught me so much in a personal sense as well. Albert leads by example and has taught me not only how to be a good officer, an effective leader, and a team player; but has also helped me find a better understanding of how to be a caring husband and a gentle father.”

–“Albert is wise, honest, strong, fair, and determined. He is brave, reliable, and kind, but also stern when necessary; always professional.”

–“Albert has been the spearhead to countless reformations within this department, sometimes even in the face of opposition that most people are unaware of. A few examples are getting officers tasers, load-bearing vests, better patrol vehicles, patrol rifles, better pistols, better shotguns, several cost-of-living raises, an investigator position, and structured rank within patrol, along with starting the Fairfield Police Association, just to name a few.”

–“In his free time, he started attending FBI leadership classes and reading books about effective leadership over two years ago because of his determination to be the best leader he can for our team as a whole.”

–“Albert has my loyalty because he has my respect. He has my respect because he has earned my trust.”

–“I also want to be honest: many of us here CHOOSE to work for Fairfield even though we could make more money or work much closer to home. We stay because of the leadership, stability, and direction that Albert has brought to this agency. And if that leadership were disrupted, I truly worry about what that would mean for morale, retention, and the future of this department.”

–“A department is only as strong as the person who leads it. We have that leader. He’s already here. And every officer who attended tonight is proof of that.”

Following the executive session, Council voted unanimously to appoint Gallegos to the position of Interim Chief of Police.

A note from Albert Gallegos:

First, I want to congratulate Chief David Utsey on his retirement. I would not be where I am today if it was not for him believing in me to be his second command. Our department has made significant strides during Utsey’s tenure as Chief. The department will be forever grateful to Chief Utsey and his service.

I appreciate the trust that the mayor and city council have placed in me during this transition. As Interim Chief of Police, my immediate priority is to ensure stability within the department while continuing to provide the highest level of service and professionalism to the residents of our city.

I am committed to supporting our officers, strengthening community relationships, and maintaining transparency in everything we do.

Over the coming weeks, I will be assessing our operations, listening to community concerns, and identifying opportunities to improve how we serve and protect.

This department is filled with dedicated officers, and together we will continue moving forward to serve our citizens while maintaining public safety. I look forward to working closely with our community partners and city leadership as we move through this period of transition.

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. “I had the honor of working for Chief Robert Harold. The Bellmead Police Department was great to me and is the foundation of my career,” he says. “I learned a lot working for that agency. Chief Harold has since passed away but he’s the one that gave me a chance to be a police officer.”

Originally, Albert wanted to stay in the McLennan County area but after his first daughter was born, he wanted to be closer to home. That is when he came to work for the Fairfield Police Department in April 2009.

“Chief Utsey promoted me to Sergeant in 2019,” he explains. “I served in that position until 2022 when I promoted to Assistant Chief of Police.”

Also at this meeting, Council voted to approve the following:

–Hiring Interim Director of Public Works, James Jones, as Director of Public Works

–Minutes from the October 6 and October 14, 2025, meetings

–Bill Pay

–FEDC Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendments

–Purchase Order to Terry Vaughn for concrete culvert on Peachtree Street

–Purchase Requests for repairs to the following city streets: Robindale, Grnbriar, Reed, Davis, College, Cotton, Hunter, Steward, Mockingbird, and Anderson

–Casing all 135 Votes for Jerry Don Sanders to serve on the Board of Directors for the Freestone Central Appraisal District

The City of Fairfield office is located at 527 East Commerce Street in Fairfield. They may be reached by calling 903-389-2633.

(Photo by Nicole Schaefer)