The City of Victoria has appointed Clay Fetters as Chief of the Victoria Police Department effective immediately. 

Fetters, who had been serving as interim chief since October, brings decades of leadership experience in both law enforcement and the military. During his time as interim chief, he focused on strengthening operational effectiveness and improving department morale, efforts that contributed to stronger recruitment and retention. 

“During his time as interim chief, Clay has demonstrated superb leadership while guiding the department through the transition to the new Public Safety Headquarters,” City Manager Jesús A. Garza said. “His command philosophy and communication style has improved morale across the department. I’m excited about the continued progress and improvements I know he will prioritize moving forward.”

Fetters has been with the Victoria Police Department since 2008, rising through the ranks in roles that include Deputy Chief of Operations, Captain of Investigations, SWAT Commander, and Lieutenant of Patrol and Support Services. In each position, he has been instrumental in driving improvements in officer development, accountability and operational readiness. In each position, he has been instrumental in driving improvements in officer development, accountability, and operational readiness.

"It is an honor to be selected as the chief of the best police department in the region.” Fetters said. “This is an exciting time with many positive changes throughout the city. I am excited to serve the people of Victoria as their Police Chief."

He brings to his new role a wealth of leadership experience honed over a 30-year military career, retiring as a Major in the Texas Army National Guard in May 2025. Among his numerous command assignments, he led units at Texas Military Department Headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin and Camp Swift in Bastrop, overseeing operations that supported more than 20,000 soldiers annually and managing more than $20 million in equipment.

During his command of an Engineer Company, his unit was named the best in its battalion and rose from 222nd to 9th out of 242 statewide in performance rankings. He also led life-saving disaster response operations during Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda, coordinating rescues of over 500 civilians and animals in coordination with local and state leaders.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #281) and holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice, Fetters also holds a Master Peace Officer Certification and has completed over 12,000 hours of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training. He is also completed Phase one and two of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College and has received numerous commendations for his service.

A dedicated mentor and educator, he has served as an adjunct instructor at the Victoria College Police Academy since 2016 and recently developed a four-day command staff leadership course to help cultivate the next generation of law enforcement leaders.

Under Chief Fetters’ leadership, the Victoria Police Department will continue advancing its mission of reducing crime and the fear of crime through, outstanding police services in partnership with the community.