‘Wally’ Gonzalez named new Port Isabel chief of police

PORT ISABEL - There's a new chief in town, and he knows Port Isabel inside and out.

Gualberto "Wally" Gonzalez was hired by the city commissioners this week as the new police chief.

When Port Isabel city commissioners met in a special session on Monday evening to select a new chief, they knew it was a difficult choice between the two candidates.

The candidates were interviewed by City Manager Eduard Meza who then recommended his choice to the commission.

After executive session, the commission hired Gonzalez to replace the retired Joel Ochoa.

"We had two candidates for the position," Meza said. "Both had excellent records and both were qualified. But Wally's vision and plans for the department came a little closer to what I believe is needed, so we went with him."

"I've known Wally over 30 years," Mayor Joe Vega said. "He's always involved with the community, and he has the city's interest at heart. I know he's going to do a good job."

Gonzalez, a Port Isabel native, has been in law enforcement since 1974. He was with the Port Isabel force for three years.

Gonzalez' career includes stints with the Point Isabel Independent School District police, the Cameron County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office.

He returned to the Port Isabel department in 2006.

The new police chief is also widely known as the voice of the Tarpons. He has been announcing their home football games for years.

Gonzalez said he expects hard work and professionalism from police officers.

"I want to see them display good public relations and be courteous to our tourists," he said. "We have to work efficiently because the city is operating this year on a very tight budget."

Ex-mayor Pat Marchan said he was pleased things are going as well as they are.

"I think they made a good selection," he said. "I believe Wally is qualified for the job, and I wish him well."