Balcones Heights Names New Police Chief

The City of Balcones Heights has named a new police chief, city officials announced Monday.

After 35 years as a San Antonio police officer, Darrell Volz will be the new leader of the Balcones Height Police Department. He was selected from a group of 29 applicants, city officials said.

“Chief Volz is the right person to lead our team of talented professionals. He brings experience, training, sincerity, and honesty that the Police Department and community deserves,” said City Administrator David Harris.

Volz career covered all areas of crime including undercover operations and prison gangs, according to city officials.

“Chief Volz understands and shares the vision of City Leadership to not only make Balcones Heights a model place to live, work, and play, but knows the role that a model Police Department has in bringing that vision to reality,” said Harris.

Volz follows Lt. Joyce Pena, who had been serving as interim police chief. Former Police Chief Henry Dominguez was placed on leave in May 2014 before being fired in July.

Dominguez’s termination was based on the results of an internal investigation into the allegations he failed to take action when warned one of his officers may have had ties to the Mexican Mafia.

That officer, Julian Pesina, was murdered in early May as he left a tattoo shop he co-owned.

A swearing-in ceremony for Volz will be announced soon, officials said.