PORT ISABEL, Texas – Port Isabel Police Chief Robert Lopez has retired after 42 years in law enforcement, including the last decade serving the City of Port Isabel.
The Port Isabel-South Padre Press reported that Lopez officially retired June 19 and was expected to be recognized by the city with a proclamation during a City Commission meeting.
During his tenure, the department moved from paper citations to electronic citations, upgraded portable radios, added body cameras, purchased new duty handguns for officers and reopened its shooting range. The department also added a second range on the same property.
Lopez also pointed to officer pay, equipment and patrol vehicle improvements as important steps for the department. He said community policing became increasingly important over the course of his career, including local participation in National Night Out.
The retirement marks a leadership transition for the Port Isabel Police Department as the city prepares for its next chapter in public safety.
