Longtime Marble Falls police chief announces retirement
Assistant Police Chief Trisha Ratliff (left) and current Police Chief Glenn Hanson during the council meeting. Courtesy photo.
Marble Falls Assistant Police Chief Trisha Ratliff will be promoted to police chief, effective June 29, following the official retirement of current Chief Glenn Hanson.
The decision comes after a unanimous Marble Falls City Council decision during a Tuesday, April 21, meeting.
Ratliff has been with the Marble Falls Police Department since 2005 and has served in multiple leadership roles, including her promotion to criminal investigations captain in 2019 and assistant police chief in 2022. She was the first woman in the department’s history to hold the assistant chief position.
Hanson has been with the department since 2002 and has served as police chief since 2021, following his time as assistant chief. While he has announced his retirement, he will stay on as chief until June.
City Manager Caleb Kraenzel said promoting from within supports long-term stability for the department, serves as a “huge retention tool” for staff, and saves tax dollars.
“Assistant Chief Ratliff is a highly accomplished, highly successful law enforcement officer and leader of the department. She is a prime candidate for continuing the excellence of the department over the next level, and then into the next end of the decade,” Kraenzel said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Hanson also supported the transition and said Ratliff is prepared to lead the department.
“I think this is the greatest honor I will have as your chief of police being able to recommend to you, my successor, whom I believe will exceed expectations,” Hanson said.
Additionally, Hanson said he has no doubts about Ratliff’s ability to take on the role.
“Her career progression has not been without challenges, as some outdated perceptions regarding women in law enforcement still persist. However, Trisha has never allowed such challenges to impede her performance or her personal growth,” he said.
Following the council’s unanimous approval, Ratliff said she was honored by the appointment.
“I’m truly blessed to be here, and I thank you for the confidence in me to give me this opportunity,” Ratliff said.