Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
Cottonwood Shores has a new police chief. Johnny Liendo of Georgetown was sworn in at city hall Monday.
Gregory Palmer, who joined the city as chief in mid-April, is staying on as police lieutenant, but resigned as chief before the July 6 council meeting. With Liendo's addition, the city is back up to a force of four full-time officers.
Little was said at the meeting, but after an executive session in which Palmer's resignation as chief was discussed, the council voted to renew their search for a top cop.
Former chief Chris Bieze and Lt. John-Michael Talamantez left the city for the Burnet County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and Ofcr. Sarah Peterson departed as well, leaving Palmer to rely on reserve officers such as Liendo as he rebuilt the force.
Officers Jason Bartholomew and Christen Moller now serve with reserve officer Javier Castro.
