Schertz PD Promotes New Assistant Police Chiefs

SCHERTZ POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMED TWO LEADERS THIS PAST DECEMBER AS MANNY CASAS AND DANIEL ROMAN WERE PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT CHIEFS OF POLICE. IN THIS ROLE, THEY WILL HELP TO DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF POLICE CHIEF JAMES LOWERY.

By KIRA VILLARREAL

Although Casas and Roman are new to the assistant chief position, they are both veterans of the department who have spent the majority of their careers in law enforcement. Among other similarities, they both started their careers in the military, have impressive higher education credentials, and bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their new roles.

Manny Casas started his law enforcement career nearly 23 years ago, after serving in the United States Army. He worked briefly for the Bexar County Sheriff’s department but has spent most of his career in Schertz. From his early days as a patrol officer, he slowly worked his way up the ranks over the years and served as captain for the past 2 years before being promoted to Assistant Chief.

Casas said he always aspired to be in a position where he could lead others and has always tried to be prepared for any opportunities that came his way. “As I advanced within the department, the more I enjoyed opportunities to make decisions that would impact the community and the police department in a positive way,” he said. “I wanted to foster an environment built on teamwork to make a difference.”

Daniel Roman followed a similar path, starting his career as a military police officer in the Marine Corps. He worked for the Bexar County Jail before coming to Schertz and has been with the Schertz Police Department for 16 years. Like Casas, he started as a patrol officer and held various positions within the department, including serving on the SWAT team, as he worked his way through the ranks.

Both men have impressive academic credentials and have continued to look for opportunities to grow and improve their skills and add to their knowledge base throughout their careers. They’ve also both continued to pursue advanced degrees while working full time. Casas has a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA as well as a Master’s Degree in adult education and a Doctoral degree, also in Education. Roman earned a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing his MBA degree.

According to Chief Lowery, this dedication to selfimprovement is just one of the many qualities that make Casas and Roman a great fit for their new position, and he’s confident that they’ll be successful and effective leaders. “The best leaders are the best learners, and Manny and Daniel have demonstrated that they possess the skills and traits that are paramount for rising leaders,” he said. “They have unique strengths but share the characteristics of being honest, competent, and inspirational with the ability to convey the vision and expectations of our department.”

As they get started in their new roles, both men are excited about the future, and specifically mention their admiration for the work that Chief Lowery has done in shaping the direction of the police department. Says Roman, “I’m really excited about where Chief Lowery is taking the department and I want to be a part of that and help him to accomplish his goals for the department and the community.”

Among the things they find most rewarding about working in law enforcement, Casas cites the feeling of making a difference in people’s lives and providing support during some of their most difficult and stressful moments. “We’re often the first and sometimes the only person that people can turn to during very difficult situations,” he said. “I appreciate that we can provide that support and be a part of something that serves a greater purpose.”

Both men also specifically mentioned the positive relationship between the Schertz community and the Police Department. They’ve found the community to be very supportive of the work that they are doing and noted their appreciation for this relationship and the importance of continuing to maintain it.

As Roman puts it, “I think we’re fortunate to have the City Council that we have. They support the police, as do the citizens. I live in Schertz and I’ve raised my kids here. I think it’s a great community to live in.”