Cameron hires new police chief

Cameron will soon have a new police chief.

The Cameron City Council approved the hiring of Waylan Rhodes at the recommendation of Cameron City Manager J. Rhett Parker in a special meeting held Monday, May 8. 

Rhodes is currently Police Chief in Silsbee, where he is in charge of a department of 16 officers.

Rhodes has a total of 33 years in municipal law enforcement. He has 12 years experience as the Chief of Police. Rhodes has advanced management training such as LEMIT, Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and FBI National Academy and Command College.  He is also a Master Police Officer and has attended The Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research and The Harris County Sheriff’s Academy. 

Most of Rhodes' experience as Chief of Police was in Little Elm, near Frisco. In 2012, under his direction as Chief of Police, Little Elm was recognized as the safest city in Texas and to date continues to rank as one of the safest cities to live, work and visit. He grew with the Little Elm Police Department as the city population went from 14,000 to 35,000; he retired from there in 2015. Prior to Little Elm, Rhodes spent 19 years as a peace officer in Humble. In 2015 Rhodes was hired with a specific role in the creation and development of the Bastrop ISD Police Force.

“I was impressed with his confidence, communication skills and knowledge of law enforcement, budgeting and community involvement," Parker said. “In my discussions with Rhodes, I find him to be professional and easy to get along with. I feel confident that he is the right fit for the city of Cameron and the Police Department.”

Rhodes replaces Randy Dixon who was terminated in February.

Rhodes is expected to begin in the next few weeks.