By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
PORT ISABEL, TX—A police chief who spent an early portion of his career serving the greater part of Rio Hondo as the area constable in the late 90s and early 2000s has retired.
After 42 years in law enforcement, including the past 10 years serving the City of Port Isabel, PIPD Police Chief Robert Lopez officially retired on June 19, leaving a legacy of modernization, community engagement, and support for the officers who served alongside him.
The City of Port Isabel is expected to honor Lopez’s service with a proclamation at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting.
Reflecting on his career, the chief highlighted several accomplishments that strengthened the PIPD. During his tenure, the department transitioned from paper to electronic citations, upgraded its portable radio system, equipped officers with new body cameras, and purchased new duty handguns for every officer.
He also reopened the department’s shooting range and expanded the facility by adding a second range on the same property.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the mayor, the city commissioners, and our city manager,” Lopez said.
Among the biggest challenges he faced were officer compensation and equipment shortages. He credited city leadership with helping address those concerns through increased pay, new equipment and updated patrol vehicles.
“The mayor, city commissioners and city manager were able to provide us with new equipment, higher pay and new vehicles, which were a great asset to the department,” he said.
The chief said that policing has changed significantly over the years, with community engagement increasingly important.
“You have to really focus on community policing to get the community on your side,” he said.
One example was the department’s National Night Out program, which he said drew record attendance each year and strengthened relationships between officers and residents.
“That is very important so we can communicate more closely with our residents and gain their respect,” he said.
As he prepares to step away from the profession, the chief expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, including city leadership, City Manager Jarred Hockema, Assistant City Manager John Sandoval, the department’s administrative staff, and Administrative Assistant Monica Garza.
He also thanked the Port Isabel community and local businesses for supporting department events, including National Night Out and the annual Christmas Toy Drive. He offered special recognition to Mr. and Mrs. Seals for their longstanding support of the toy drive.
“I appreciate everyone from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Looking ahead, the chief expressed confidence in the department’s future and in the officers who will continue serving the community.
“I’ll leave the department in good hands, and I wish all my officers the best in the future,” he noted.
Lopez was the Precinct Constable in Rio Hondo, where he resided, before a stint with the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as an administrator, before serving at the courthouse.