Oklahoma police officer in running for Abilene police chief
Rondell Seratte, assistant chief of police for the Lawton Police Department in Oklahoma, is hoping to move to the Lone Star State if chosen for Abilene's next chief of police. Seratte brings over 26 years of experience to the table and recognition from the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police. More notably, however, he is ready to call Abilene his forever home.
Hiring process explained
According to City Manager, Robert Hanna, Abilene is a Chapter 143 civil service city, meaning that "the city manager hires the chief of police, and the city council confirms the hire."
While Hanna does have the final vote for the new Abilene police chief, he does, however, consult with a selection committee. Hanna said that he hopes the selection committee will "help determine who might be the best fit for the department and the community," while also taking into account the opinion of the police department.
While Hanna doesn't anticipate an immediate announcement after candidate interviews with the department on December 11, he does hope to make an announcement before Christmas.
Oklahoma native, Ron Seratte
Assistant Chief Ron Seratte grew up in Comanche, Oklahoma, and was eager to begin his police career there. His inspiration hailed from his cousin who was a dedicated Oklahoma Highway Patrol Officer. As a child, Seratte looked up to his cousin and always had a goal of serving as an officer as well.
Seratte started in the Comanche Police Department in 1993, which at the time only had four officers. As one of four officers, Seratte worked mainly in patrol but also did just about everything else within the small department.
Seratte moved over to the Lawton Police Department in 2000 as a patrol and field training officer. As a result, the training of new officers has been the highlight of his career thus far.
From running physical training to overseeing basic academies to teaching some of the classes himself, Seratte does it all and loves every minute of it. He enjoys the face time with new officers and also relishes in the daily interactions.
When asked what his toughest lesson learned thus far, Seratte dejectedly reminisced about a recent officer involved shooting. He remarked that it was one of the toughest incidents he has had to go through as a police officer.
Seratte referenced other cities that had experienced many protests in the wake of an officer involved shooting. He credits, however, his department's close ties with their community in allowing them "to keep the public calm" and avoid unrest. There was a better outcome because of the relationships that his police department had built with their close-knit community.
It is those relationships that allow the Lawton Police Department to sponsor underprivileged children each year. The department raises funds through the community and local businesses in order to host the annual "Shop with a Cop" event, which gives less-privileged children a chance to buy Christmas gifts for themselves or their family. In his opinion, it is a very rewarding event that he looks forward to each year.
Assistant Chief Seratte currently serves as the Non-Uniform Division Commander over criminal investigations, corrections, records and animal welfare. He received a supervisor of the year award in 2014, in addition to the FBI Trilogy Award for Leadership. He also holds an advanced police officer certification.
When asked what he could bring to Abilene, Assistant Chief Seratte noted that he will bring much needed trust, giving Abilene's "officers the trust that they need as a leader." He also remarked that he is not a chief who sits behind a desk each day. Instead, Seratte is an active listener who wants to meet members of the community and work together to "help the community and the police department move forward in a positive way."
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Oklahoma officer in running for Abilene police chief
