The City of Amarillo Is About to Appoint a New Police Chief

When I first saw the City of Amarillo had a list of five finalists for the new Police Chef, I was wondering why the Amarillo Police Department needed a head Chef. Then I put my reading glasses on and well, it all made sense. Amarillo announced the top five candidates for Amarillo Chief of Police.  All but one candidate will get chopped. Like the competitive cooking show this down to the meat and potatoes.  The top five are all outstanding law enforcement officials and any one of them would certainly make a formidable leader for Amarillo’s finest.

Here is the list of candidates released by the City of Amarillo in alphabetical order.

Martin Birkenfeld Jr.  Has been with the Amarillo Police Department for 30 years, and is currently the Assistant Chief of the Operations Bureau. He holds a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 266.

Ken Funtek.  Has been with the Amarillo Police Department for almost 28 years, and is currently the Assistant Chief of Police of Investigations and Staff Services. He holds a Master in Political Science from West Texas A&M University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 253.

Brad McKeone. Has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, and is currently deputy chief of police for the Coral Springs (Fla.) Police Department. He holds a Master in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 276.

Greg Stevens. With more than 31 years of experience in civilian and military law enforcement, and is currently chief of police in Rockport. He retired as chief of police in Lubbock in May 2019. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 252.

Stan Standridge. A 25-year veteran of the Abilene Police Department, and is currently chief of police for the Abilene Police Department. He holds a Master in Public Administration from Sam Houston State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 226.

All finalists will go through an extensive interview process over the next two weeks. The selection of Amarillo Police Chief is expected to be announced before June.