Pauls Valley Police Chief Derrick Jolley has announced plans to retire from the department as of June 27.
Jolley was named chief of police in December of 2022 and served as assistant police chief for 12 years prior to that. He has been employed with the department since 2003. Jolley said the decision to retire will afford him more time to focus on his family and other business pursuits.
He said the department is on a good trajectory and in a good place to allow his exit.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a better or more diverse group of officers at this department,” Jolley said. “We have really good officers who know their job and know the law. I feel like I’m leaving it in a good place.”
Sgt. Don May was recently named assistant chief, a move Jolley said should make for a smooth transition.
According to Jolley, May shares a much of the same vision for the department as he has had.
Though it will be up to city leaders to name a replacement, Jolley said he is hopeful May will have the opportunity to step into the role of police chief on a permanent basis.
“Don is from here, he is rooted here, and he has a passion for this department and this job,” Jolley said. “I think he will provide a lot of stability and longevity for the department moving forward.”
