SONORA, Texas — Sonora officially has a new Chief of Police.
On Tuesday, City of Sonora Mayor Juanita Gomez announced the appointment of Donald (Donnie) Fernandez as the new Chief of Police for the Sonora Police Department, effective immediately.
Fernandez, who had been serving as Interim Chief since Aug. 1, replaces former Chief Pete Garcia.
According to a City of Sonora press release, his appointment follows an almost three-month recruitment process that attracted numerous applicants from across Texas.
Fernandez was officially sworn in during the City of Sonora's regular council meeting on Tuesday.
Donald Fernandez was born to Donald Fernandez Sr. and Diana Hernandez in Del Rio Texas. Fernandez went through the Del Rio School System and graduated from Del Rio High School in June of 2001. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
Fernandez ended his enlistment and returned to his hometown in August of 2005 and attended Junior College and worked at Laughlin Air Forces Base as contract guard.
In 2007, Fernandez was hired by the Del Rio Police Department. While employed, he held several positions and titles with the police department such as officer, honor guard, detective, field training officer and senior officer.
While working as a full-time peace officer for Del Rio, Fernandez also enlisted in the Army National Guard for two years and received the Army Achievement medal.
Fernandez laterally transferred to Garland Police Department and was a field training officer, instructor, and a member of the elite SWAT team.
