David Garza named as new Chief of Police for Lufkin ISD

by | Aug 2, 2023 | Homepage Featured, Lufkin ISD | 0 comments

Superintendent Lynn Torres named David Garza as the new Lufkin ISD Chief of Police. 

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Garza to the Lufkin Panther family,” Torres said “He comes to us with a wide range of experiences in law enforcement and the respect of many local agencies. I know that he will strengthen our team and our relations with other city and county officials.”

Garza is replacing Jay Jost who retired after 37 years of service. Garza comes from Diboll ISD where he served as the police chief. He was in charge of the daily operations of school policing and was the liaison with state and local law enforcement.
Garza received his Bachelor of Applied Arts in Science in Criminal Justice at Stephen F. Austin State University. He attended the Police Academy at Kilgore College. He has been a Master Peace Officer for 26 years. During his police service, he worked at the Lufkin Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. While at Lufkin PD, he served in several different capacities including:
  • Patrol
  • Community Policing
  • Narcotics investigator (undercover & Criminal interdiction)
  • Detective (Criminal Investigation Division)
  • Patrol Corporal
  • Corporal Traffic Enforcement Section (supervised traffic officers and crossing guards)
  • Member of SRT Team and Sniper Team

While working at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on a Special Investigations unit, he was appointed to the FBI Human Trafficking Task Force. 

“The kids are our future; protecting them and keeping them safe is not only our duty but our moral responsibility,” Garza said. “I chose Lufkin because this is where I started my law enforcement career and would like to end it here building a great department. I am excited about my new adventure as Chief of Police for Lufkin ISD PD managing and supervising some great officers at a great school district.”

Garza and his wife LaDonna have two college-aged daughters.