Community feels like Chacon is ‘right’ fit
It didn’t take long for new Taylor Police Chief Joseph Chacon to make a good impression on Mayor Dwayne Ariola.
Even if that impression came with a little hit.
“Joseph is an avid Texas Longhorns fan,” Ariola said. “I let him watch the last minute and 22 seconds on my phone during the Taylor Rodeo Association fundraiser and after (the University of) Texas won the game, he hits me on the arm. Later that night, I sent him a picture of Baylor Scott & White and another picture of me in an arm sling.”
Taylor Chief of Police Joseph Chacon, left, visits with Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola prior to Chacon’s swear-in ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Taylor Public Library.
Joseph Branson, left, helps Taylor Chief of Police Joseph Chacon sign a certificate of employment Wednesday afternoon. Branson is the commander of Taylor PD and served as interim chief between the retirement of previous chief Henry Fluck in September and the hiring of Chacon last month.
Ariola told this story to a standing-room only crowd at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Wednesday afternoon during Chacon’s swear-in to take the oath as Taylor’s new chief of police.
The irony of the story Ariola told was Chacon warned him about letting him watch his beloved Longhorns.
“He was flipping his phone to check the score, and I told him I have a TV on my phone. He said, ‘No, no. I’m an avid, avid Texas fan. I can’t watch it because I don’t want to lose it,’” Ariola said. “I should’ve listened to the man. He gets pretty excited, so I’m just warning you.”
Chacon officially started his new position March 30. His swear-in was conducted by Williamson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Rhonda Redden.
Prior to becoming Taylor’s police chief, Chacon worked as the director of emergency services for Pflugerville for three years and the 31 years before that in law enforcement in El Paso and Austin, respectively.
After a six-year career in his native El Paso (199298), Chacon moved to Austin, where he served the next 25 years (19982023), including the final two as the capital city’s chief of police.
“When I heard that Joseph Chacon submitted his resume, I found it odd that he would go from a place that had a multimillion-dollar budget to a small budget,” Ariola said. “But he blew the residents and committees away and has been nothing but impressive. He’s a tremendous family man and Taylor’s excited to have him.”
Ariola also thanked Chacon for “throwing his name in the hat” for the top cop slot. He believes the new chief is the “right choice” for Taylor.
“We know what big cities need and we know where we’re headed,” Ariola said. “(Chacon) knows what to expect with growth and grants. I have no doubt that he is the right decision-maker.”
City Manager Brian LaBorde also addressed the audience prior to Chacon’s swear-in.
“Ceremonies like this remind us that public service is grounded in accountability and the trust placed in our leaders by the citizens of this community,” LaBorde said. “It’s also a moment to recognize the dedication of our officers, staff, family and stand behind the work of this department.”
Chacon takes over after Henry Fluck retired in September following 12 years as chief. The El Paso native was chosen from four applicants for the slot.
Officials said Taylor needs a chief ready to handle the demands of the future with the advent of the multibilliondollar Samsung Austin Semiconductor, a growing population and the city’s importance both on the U.S. and global stage.
