Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed Martha Montalvo as Houston’s interim Chief of Police, the first woman and also first Latina to reach the position. Montalvo had previously worked as Houston Police Department’s executive assistant chief.
In a press conference, Turner said Montalvo will replace Charles McClelland, who will retire from office on February 26 after 39 years of service.
As of now Montalvo's position is temporary, as the mayor announced that he is conducting a nationwide search to fill that office.
Montalvo was born in Ecuador and immigrated with her family to Houston, Texas in 1963. She became an U.S. citizen at the age of 18, entered the Police Academy in January of 1980 and has been a part of the Houston Police Department for over 30 years.
Telemundo Houston contributed to this report.
