The City of Amarillo announces that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, who has served as the Chief since May of 2020. Chief Birkenfeld has elected to retire from the City of Amarillo effective February 21, 2025, after nearly 35 years of service to the Amarillo Police Department.
In light of recent events, Chief Birkenfeld recognizes as a public servant in a leadership role, actions taken in a private capacity can influence confidence in law enforcement. Maintaining that trust is something both the City and Chief Birkenfeld take seriously and therefore have made this decision after careful consideration and discussions with the intent to provide finality, avoid potential civil service proceedings, and to move the department and community forward as quickly as possible.
Chief Birkenfeld has dedicated his career to public safety, serving in various roles since joining the department in 1990. The City recognizes his contributions for his decades of service to Amarillo.
The City of Amarillo will begin the process of selecting a new Police Chief in the coming weeks. In the interim, Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson will serve as Acting Police Chief.