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Frisco police chief to assume new role in city: Todd Renshaw to oversee police and fire departments (updated)
By Anthony Tosie, atosie@starlocalnews.com
Editor's Note: This article was originally published Sept. 24 at 5:52 p.m. It has been updated to include quotations from Fire Chief Mack Borchardt.
Frisco Police Chief Todd Renshaw has been named to a newly created position in the city where he will oversee both the police and fire departments.
The new position, director of public safety, was created by City Manager George Purefoy to streamline the oversight of public safety in the city. In his new role, Renshaw will meet with the new police and fire chiefs on a scheduled basis and as important incidents arise.
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| Frisco Police Chief Todd Renshaw |
Renshaw said he will maintain offices at both the police and fire departments, although the majority of his time will likely be spent at the Central Fire Station to better acquaint himself with how the fire department operates.
"We're going to find our way as we go, so some things may change over time, such as after I select new police and fire chiefs early next year," he said. "There are a lot of business-related tasks like citizen concerns that I'll be addressing in my new role."
Previously, the police and fire chiefs reported to an assistant city manager. Those positions will now report to Renshaw, who will in turn report directly to Purefoy.
Assistant Police Chief John Bruce will serve as interim police chief until a new chief is named. Bruce will also be considered for the position of police chief if he desires, Renshaw said.
In addition to Renshaw's move, Borchardt will soon assume the new role of fire programs consultant and special assistant to the city manager. Borchardt's new position was decided upon earlier this year when he announced his retirement. An interim fire chief has yet to be named.
One of the tasks involved in Borchardt's new role will be overseeing the cleanup of the Exide Technologies site after its lead-acid battery recycling plant is closed later this year. Unlike Renshaw, Borchardt will be working out of City Hall.
"The chance to assist our city manager on a variety of projects -- particularly helping to ensure cleanup of the Exide site and consulting on development of future fire stations -- seemed to be great opportunity to tackle some new challenges while helping the department prepare for its next leader," Borchardt said.
Borchardt said he will help Renshaw during a transition phase that's expected to last 30 to 60 days. Even though they won't be working directly together, Borchardt said he plans to remain available to Renshaw if needed.
"It's a transition program at the moment, but I'm definitely looking forward to it," Renshaw said.
Renshaw was named Frisco's police chief in February 1994 after coming from the Coppell Police Department, where he was police captain from 1991 until his move to Frisco. He began his law enforcement career in 1983 in Allen, where he served as a police officer and later as a sergeant.
Under Borchardt's guidance, the Frisco Fire Department transitioned from a volunteer department to a department employing full-time firefighters. Borchardt was named a city administrator and chief of the Volunteer Frisco Fire Department in 1981; in 1987 he became the city's first full-time fire chief.
Both Renshaw and Borchardt will begin their new positions on Oct. 1.
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