Texas Border Business
Harlingen, Texas – Harlingen City Manager Dan Serna has named Assistant Chief of Police-Chief of Staff Michael Kester as interim chief. Kester, a 28 year veteran of the department, will take over on December 26 for retiring Chief Jeffry Adickes whose last day on the job is December 25, 2018.
Kester will head the department while a new chief is selected. The position has been posted since December 7 and will remain open until filled.
Kester has been with the Harlingen Police Department since 1990 and has served more than 15 years in an executive leadership role.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Unity College in Maine. He is also a graduate of the 53rd Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College.
As the Assistant Chief-Chief of Staff Kester directed the day to day operations of the police department that has an authorized strength of 139-officers and 35 civilian employees.
City Manager Serna says Kester previously served as interim chief for six months in 2011 and has no doubt that the community will be in good hands. “Mike has a lot of experience in public safety. I anticipate that it will be a smooth transition as we focus on finding a new leader for the department.”
Interim Chief Kester and his wife Debi have four children and 10 grandchildren.
The City of Harlingen welcomes Interim Chief Michael Kester.
