New chief counts on 25-year law enforcement experience
ANNA (October 14, 2020) The City of Anna has selected Dean Habel as the next Chief of Police. City Manager Jim Proce made the announcement after briefing the City Council at yesterday’s City Council meeting.
The Council meeting, held at the Rattan Elementary School cafeteria, followed a work session of the Anna 2050 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.
Chief Habel, scheduled to start his new position on Nov. 16, currently serves as Deputy Chief of Police for the Farmers Branch Police Department. He has held that post for four years and recently celebrated 25 years with the FBPD.
During his career, Chief Habel has worked in virtually all aspects of the department’s services, including patrol, investigations, and SWAT. He has steadily progressed through the ranks, occupying positions as Police Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief. Among his responsibilities, he has commanded divisions responsible for narcotics investigations, policy development, project management, child abuse and exploitation, internal affairs, and SWAT.
He has successfully exercised direct supervision of 54 sworn officers and has managed the department’s $8 million operations budget. The Chief has also been instrumental in directing and implementing planning, operations, and emergency response.
Habel holds a Master Peace Officer license and is a licensed instructor for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He is certified in Advanced Interview and Interrogation and has attained certification in the FBI’s Interviewing Strategies Through Statement Analysis program.
He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute. He’s been recognized as Farmers Branch Supervisor of the Year and has been awarded the Meritorious Conduct Medal by the FBPD.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree In Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master of Liberal Studies degree in Behavioral Sciences from Southern Methodist University. He authored “Mexico: The Methamphetamine Superpower,” published in the Texas Police Journal.
Fire Chief Ray Isom, named Interim Public Safety Director during the search for a new Police Chief, will revert to leading the Fire Department.
Media Contact: Celso Martinez 972-623-8836