CONROE, Texas – The City of Conroe is making changes to some of its top local positions, including parting ways with the city’s police chief and fire chief.
The moves were made official during a city council meeting 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
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Police Chief Jeff Christy, Fire Chief Ken Kregar, Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Riggins, and Executive Director of the Conroe Economic Development Council Danielle Scheiner were all given the opportunity to retire when the city announced its desire to part ways with them.
Before accepting the retirements of the Police Chief Christy and Fire Chief Kruger, Conroe Mayor Duke Coon issued a statement to the council. In the statement, he clarified that he did not play a role in the changes and was not made aware they were happening until decisions had been finalized.
“30 days ago, I sat here and told you I would be honest, open and transparent, and I going to be just that,” Mayor Coon said. “Your mayor didn’t know this was happening. I didn’t know, and several other council members didn’t know. I would just hope moving forward—and I’ll make this commitment to you all—I hope moving forward as a team, that these issues will come forward in a more open manner.”
Mayor Coon added that he personally did not support the changes in personnel.
“I don’t support these actions. I don’t,” he added. “I wish, as your mayor, I would have had the opportunity to speak to that.”
Despite the controversial changes, the mayor encouraged the community to move forward and address other issues the city faces.
Police Chief Christy served with the Conroe Police Department since 1991 and was appointed chief in 2018. Fire Chief Kregar has served in his position since 2006 after more than 20 years of experience in a different fire department. Both men were presented with honorary keys to the city during the meeting.
Other employees, including the city engineer and assistant city attorney, were let go two weeks ago. Positions like personal assistant to the mayor and facilities manager were eliminated altogether.