Steve Perez sworn in as Chief of Police
A new generation of leadership is at the helm of the Boerne Police Department after the new Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police were sworn in Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
Both men showed the heart behind the badge and became emotional in thanking those that believed in them and their families for the unwavering support.
Chief Steve Perez was sworn in at a ceremony Friday morning at the Cana Ballroom at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in front of a crowd of approximately 150 people from all areas of the Boerne and Kendall County community. Alongside his wife and two sons, Perez took his oath of office and was sworn in by retiring Chief Jeff Page.
After he was sworn in, Perez thanked his family, fellow officers, and the chiefs who served in the job before him.
“I am pleased and humbled to accept this promotion and do not take it lightly,” Perez said. “You can’t ask for a better community for a police department than Boerne. We will continue to build trust and transparency with the community.”
City Manager Ben Thatcher described the characteristics needed in a police chief – honesty, integrity, open mindedness, commitment to diversity, and most of all, humility. All of which Perez embodies in his work and interactions with the community and employees, Thatcher said.
“It is a special day for Chief Perez, his family, our officers, and the community,” Thatcher said. “Steve is a family man and a man of faith. He knows what it means to love your neighbor.”
Mayor Tim Handren described getting to know the incoming chief well as Perez coordinated the emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020, hosting regular meetings with staff from the city, county, and other local agencies.
“Steve led everyone in those community meetings, and tough decisions were made together,” Handren said “I will rest with confidence every night knowing you are in this role.”
Perez also brings more than diversity in thought and approach to solutions, he is also the first Hispanic Chief of Police in the history of the department. Perez began his career with Boerne Police in 1999 and becomes just the sixth chief the department has had.
Read more about Perez and his time with Boerne PD.
Cody Lackey sworn in as Assistant Chief of Police
Lt. Cody Lackey was sworn officially promoted to Assistant Chief of Police during a ceremony at the police station. Lackey took his oath of office alongside his wife and three children and was sworn in by Chief Perez.
It was a true family affair, as his stars were pinned to his collar by his wife and his brother-in-law, an officer with the Beaumont Police Department, then pinned Lackey’s badge.
“It is a very humbling experience, and I am looking forward to the years to come,” Lackey said.
Lackey thanked his supervisors past and present, including Chief Kohler and Chief Miller for taking a chance on him first as a dispatcher and then as an officer. He also thanked Chief Page for mentoring him in policing and in life, as well as Perez for trusting him to be Assistant Chief. Perez recounted Lackey’s start at the department as a 19-year-old dispatcher in 2004 and being hired as an officer in 2006.
“Cody rose through the ranks quickly,” Perez said, listing Lackey’s numerous awards and certifications. “He’s had a great career and I’m happy for him and his family.”
“I want to congratulate you on this accomplishment and thank you for your commitment to excellence,” Thatcher said. “You bring a lot of value to the department and to the Assistant Chief position.”
Since joining the department, Lackey has served in a number of vital roles during that time. Learn more about Lackey's time at Boerne PD.
The swearing-in ceremonies of Perez and Lackey mark a transition for the department, which has seen the retirement of former Chief Jim Kohler in October and the retirement of former Assistant Chief and Interim Chief Jeff Page in February.