HOUSTON – On Tuesday, a veteran of the Houston Police Department who has overseen security for major events in Houston was named the head of the city’s homeland security office.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner named George Buenik the head of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. The office oversees the city’s Office of Emergency Management, the Houston Emergency Center and Houston Crackdown.
Turner said the office is tasked with keeping the city safe during major weather events and other crises.
Turner said Buenik is a 34-year law enforcement veteran who oversaw critical security operations while at HPD. Turner said Buenik has worked the last four years as a security auditor for the Houston Texans.
Buenik also helped lead security efforts for major citywide events like the Super Bowl and the World Series, Turner said.
The mayor said Buenik is the right fit for the job because he is already familiar with the city’s security framework and has existing relationships that can help facilitate security efforts.
Buenik takes the reigns from retiring director Dennis Storemski, who has led the office since 2005.