Chief Michael Kramm of the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department has revealed his impending departure, prioritizing his family over his esteemed position. The announcement, made on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, marks the end of Chief Kramm’s impactful tenure since assuming office on October 24, 2022.
Throughout his time at the helm, Chief Kramm has been a beacon of leadership and dedication, emphasizing the importance of family values to his colleagues. True to his principles, Chief Kramm has made the difficult decision to step down from his role to be with his loved ones.
“Family comes first,” Chief Kramm reiterated, reflecting on his guiding principle. Recognizing the need to honor this commitment, he has chosen to depart from Texarkana in early May 2024.
Under Chief Kramm’s stewardship, the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department has seen advancements in community relations, crime prevention initiatives, and officer training. His departure leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and service.
As the Texarkana community bids farewell to Chief Kramm, they express gratitude for his unwavering dedication and wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department will soon commence the process of selecting a successor to fill the void left by Chief Kramm’s departure, ensuring continuity of service and upholding the values he instilled during his tenure.
For Chief Kramm, his decision to prioritize family serves as a testament to his character and underscores the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
Kramm’s Announcement Letter:
Team,
Many of you have heard me say “family comes first”, It is time for me to live up to that mantra. I have some family obligations back in southeast Texas that I need to be there to meet. Therefore, I have informed the City Manager and the Executive Staff that I will be leaving in early May.
Departing from a position where I have enjoyed so much support from the people I am lucky enough to work beside is not easy. City Manager Robert Thompson is a great boss and truly supports his staff. Finance Director Tyrhonda Henderson is a joy to work with and a friend. Public Works Director Tyler Richards is a magician the way he juggles so many tasks and still finds time to help everyone who asks. And Mayor Allen Brown is an elected official who is actually in it for the right reasons. He lives to make Texarkana, Arkansas a better place every day. Working with them has been a privilege, and I am confident whoever takes my place will appreciate what great relations exist across city departments.
The police department has so many incredibly dedicated officers and staff who give more than a chief could expect. Assistant Chief Bobby Jordan and the Command Staff have supported me without exception, despite me being the new guy who came from that other state. Newly promoted lieutenants and sergeants, facing significant personnel shortages, are proving themselves worthy each day. The dedication they have shown to the department and the citizens gives me confidence that TAPD will continue to move forward as a premier police agency. Patrol officers and detectives have worked too many overtime hours to count, staffing shifts and working weekends to keep the Entertainment District safe for the public. Last, but certainly not least, the non-sworn staff members of the department have taken on both new roles and extra duties as we combined and expanded job titles and descriptions. It has truly been
an all-hands effort, and it has been an honor to be your chief.I will be leaving many new friends, and while that pains me, I am incredibly thankful that I am lucky enough to have met so many wonderful and truly good people. Team TAPD will always hold a place in my heart. I will miss you all.
Train Hard and Take Care of Each Other!
Sincerely,
Chief Michael W. Kramm
