The city of Bryan’s interim police chief now has the job on a permanent basis. Dean Swartzlander will be sworn in Friday afternoon (September 6) at 3 p.m. at Bryan municipal court. The 27 year BPD officer became interim chief June 8th, following the retirement of Eric Buske. News release from the Bryan police department: On Friday, September 6th, 2024, at 3:00 pm., The Bryan Police Department will promote Interim Chief Dean Swartzlander to the rank of Chief of Police. He will be sworn in by the City Secretary, Mary Lynn Stratta in the Secondary Courtroom of the Bryan Municipal Court building, 401 S Tabor Rd. Bryan, TX. 77803. Interim Chief Dean Swartzlander is a 27-year veteran of the Bryan Police Department. Swartzlander started his career on patrol in August 1997 where he served for four years. During that time, Swartzlander was assigned K9 “Ranger” who was a drug detection dog on patrol. In 2001 Swartzlander transferred to the newly formed K9 Unit and was given a new partner “Rudi” who was trained in drug detection, article recovery, detention and apprehension. In 2008 Swartzlander was promoted to Sergeant where he supervised patrol and K9. “Rudi” retired in 2009. In 2009, Swartzlander transferred to the Training and Recruiting Unit, where he worked until 2014. In 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant over Support Services. Swartzlander was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Bryan Police Department Police Academy which graduated its first class on November 15, 2018. In 2020, Swartzlander was promoted to Assistant Chief. Swartzlander has served as the Interim Chief of Police for the Bryan Police Department since June 8th, 2024. Swartzlander has received one of the Department’s highest recognitions more than once when he was awarded Officer of the Year in 2000 and Supervisor of the Year in 2009 and again in 2011. Swartzlander has received recognition for his exceptional work and service to the community: * 1999 – Departmental Citation for his work on Church burglaries * 2000 – Departmental Citation for responding to a call where he attempted to revive a child who later perished. * 2003 – Metal of Valor for the Robbery at Western Union * 2003 – Named Officer of the Year by the Texas Municipal Police Officers’ Association * 2004 – Received proclamation from Mayor Watson for courage in the line of duty * 2005 – Received VFW Law Enforcement Gold Medal Award * 2006 – Medal of Valor for the Taqueria Arandes Robbery * 2009 – Community Service Citation K9 demonstration/presentation * 2009 – Police Commendation for Armed Robbery at Palasota Grocery * 2023 – Class 285 graduate of the FBI National Academy