Pharr, Texas – At a special meeting of the Pharr City Commission held today, the City of Pharr announced the selection of Andrew “Andy” Harvey, Jr. as the city’s new police chief. Harvey was appointed by interim City Manager Ed Wylie and confirmed by the Pharr City Commission. He was sworn into office at the meeting by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.
Chief Harvey has a wealth of military and transformational law enforcement leadership experience, having most recently served as Chief of Police for the cities of Palestine and Ennis, Texas. As Chief, Harvey has transformed agencies into more modern, 21st-century police departments. Harvey’s innovation in policing includes implementing crime-fighting strategies to target drugs and property crimes using covert and other technology and creating a Quality of Life Officer position who works with social services, child protective services, and mental health agencies to provide better quality care to citizens challenged with mental health and drug addiction, among other notable successes.
While heading up the Palestine Police Department, Harvey was named Palestine Difference Maker in 2018 and 2019 by the Herald Press Newspaper. Harvey also serves on the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force in Washington D.C, as part of a group of police chiefs and sheriffs across the country to have a voice on how immigration reform relates to public safety. Harvey testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee last October on this issue.
Prior to his tenure in Palestine and Ennis, Harvey served more than 21 years at the Dallas Police Department, retiring in 2017. Harvey also served as First Sergeant of the 136th Mission Support Group of the US Air National Guard and also served in the United States Air Force Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard from 1987 through 2008, retiring honorably and receiving numerous accolades including the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Operation Iraqi Freedom for deploying to the Middle East.
Harvey received his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from Destiny College International. Harvey is certified as a Master Peace Officer and a TCOLE Certified Instructor. Harvey’s leadership philosophy seeks to invoke effective policing by requiring courageous and collaborative leaders at every level of an organization, with officers called upon to think outside of their squad car, and consider the impact their actions may have on the police department, the city, and today’s policing.
A professional speaker and presenter, Harvey has presented Excellence in Policing and Confident Media Relations courses to hundreds of police executives in Texas and throughout the country. As an executive trainer, he has trained many leaders around the state in leadership, community relations, and media relations.
“We are excited to herald in a new era of police leadership with someone as qualified and experience as Chief Harvey,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our community should feel safe and secure with the new direction our police department is going, and we are happy that Chief Harvey has joined our team,” he added. Harvey was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and speaks Spanish. “Having the opportunity to return to the Valley in a fast-growing, dynamic city and region is incredible,” said Harvey. “I look forward to working with the men and women of the Pharr PD to add value to the city,” he added.
Pharr to Host Special Announcement Regarding Police Chief TODAY, Monday, 7/13 @ 12 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr officials will host a special announcement regarding the Pharr Police Chief. The announcement will be made at a special meeting of the Pharr City Commission at 12 pm noon TODAY, Monday, July 13, 2020, at the City Commission Chambers at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage, 2nd Floor) in Pharr.
DETAILS WHAT: Special Announcement regarding Pharr Police Chief WHEN: Monday, July 13, 2020, at 12 pm noon WHERE: Pharr City Commission Chambers, City Hall (118 S. Cage, 2nd Floor) in Pharr
Pharr, Texas – After a blockade of agricultural tractors and machinery by Mexican protesters on the Mexican side of the Pharr International Port of Entry, the Pharr International Bridge has resumed operations as the situation has come to a resolution. As of 8 pm Thursday, July 9, 2020, protesters were seen vacating the premises and the Pharr International Bridge resumed operations.
According to Bridge Director Luis Bazan, the Pharr Bridge will prioritize northbound cargo first and then start moving southbound traffic. Bazan further reports that the U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will operate after hours until midnight tonight to ensure all northbound goods are moved through the Bridge.
Mexican Blockade Halts Trade and Commerce at International Ports of Entry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge have been made aware of a situation blocking both northbound and southbound traffic on the Mexican side of the International Port of Entry. The situation began yesterday afternoon; approximately 150 Mexican protesters are blocking access to the Pharr Bridge with agricultural tractors and machinery. As a result of the continued protest and blockage, commercial traffic is being diverted to surrounding ports of entry. Pharr officials will continue to monitor the situation, and urge everyone to avoid the area and seek alternative means of travel to and from Mexico until the situation is resolved.
Sources have confirmed to Pharr officials that the Pharr International Bridge is NOT the only port of entry being targeted; Mexican protestors are targeting all ports of entry and all major trade corridors along the South Texas/Mexico border.
UPDATE AS OF 1 PM: Early indications show that the blockade may subside within the next couple of hours
City Commission Proclaims July as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month
City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero read a proclamation by Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. declaring the month of July 2020 as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month in Pharr. This month brings awareness to orofacial clefts, which are the most frequently occurring birth defects in the United States, affecting approximately 7,000 babies annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In attendance at the meeting and to accept the proclamation were members of the Driscoll Children’s Craniofacial and Cleft Center. Mayor Hernandez recognized the members, thanking them for the work they do to provide comprehensive care, information, support, and access to interdisciplinary teams for children and families affected by craniofacial differences.
City Commission Recognizes Couple as First to Wed at Pharr Downtown Park
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., recognized Hector and Deborah Cruz at the podium to introduce them and share their story with the rest of the members of the City Commission and the public. Hector and Deborah recently tied the knot and exchanged their marriage vows at Pharr’s brand-new wedding destination attraction – the Pharr Downtown Park! The Cruzes are the first couple to have held their nuptials at one of Pharr’s newest and attractive public outdoor spaces. Complete with a beautiful water fountain and amphitheater seating area, it set the stage and setting for a perfect wedding. Congratulations to the Cruzes on the start of their beautiful life together, and we thank you for sharing your special moment with the City of Pharr! To commemorate the occasion, the couple were gifted wedding presents from the Pharr City Commission. Mayor Hernandez thanked the couple for sharing their moment with the City Commission. Hernandez stated, “Congratulations on your union. Be very patient. You got in this because of love, and no matter what happens, stay strong. Best of luck to you guys,” he added.
City Commission Appoints Municipal Judge and Alternate Municipal Judge
The City Commission considered an ordinance appointing a municipal judge and alternate municipal judge for the City of Pharr. Commissioner Bobby Carrillo made a motion to appoint Criselda Rincon Flores as Municipal Judge and Rudy Martinez as the sole Alternate Municipal Judge, seeing that the court has seen a decrease in cases; the appointments were unanimously approved.
City Commission Approves Interlocal Agreement for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project
The City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Pharr, the City of San Juan, the City of Alamo, and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Phase I. Interim City Manager Ed Wylie explained that the City of Pharr is taking the lead on the project, which will install safe sidewalks at locations selected by PSJA ISD near schools across the tri-city area. The total financial commitment estimated for the City of Pharr is $315,823.96.
City Commission Approves Awarding of Contract for the Pharr City Hall 1st Floor Renovation Project
Interim City Manager informed the members of the City Commission that the city received bids for the Pharr City Hall 1st Floor Renovation Project. The construction budget is $2.349 million, and the anticipated time period is 207 days. Staff recommended awarding the project to the highest-scoring proposal submitted by NM Contracting out of McAllen; the city commission approved unanimously.
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr announced today that its police department is headed in a new direction after Chief Jose Luengo was removed as head of the city’s law enforcement department. The city would like to thank Chief Luengo for his service and leadership to the City of Pharr. More information regarding the city’s decision on future leadership will be made available soon.
In the interim, Assistant Chief of Police Edward Chavez will assume the role of acting chief.
