PALESTINECHAMBER . ORG | 42
Lt . David Kasaw
Palestine Police Department
Chief Mark Harcrow
Chief Mark Harcrow was born and raised in Palestine , Texas . He is a graduate of Palestine High School and holds a Bachelor Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington . Chief Harcrow also holds a Master Peace Officer license with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement . Chief Harcrow joined the PPD in 2009 . During his career with PPD , Chief Harcrow has served as a Patrol Officer , Detective , Corporal , Sergeant , Captain and Assistant Chief , prior to being appointed as Interim Chief of Police in October of 2019 . Chief Harcrow was appointed permanent Chief of Police in May of 2020 . Chief Harcrow enjoys spending his time off in the outdoors , hunting and fishing .
Cpt . Matt Kerr
Committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to our town .
Asst . Chief Rich Johnson
Richard Johnson is the Assistant Chief of Police with the PPD where he has served for 20 years . After completing the Basic Peace Officers Course at the East Texas Police Academy in October of 2004 , Richard began his law enforcement career with the Palestine Police Department . During his time with the department , he has served as a Patrolman , Sergeant , Lieutenant , Captain and Interim Chief . Richard also served as operator and supervisor of the department ’ s tactical team for 13 years . In his time off he enjoys firearms training , archery , and spending time outdoors with family and friends .
Lt . Ricki Baker
Lieutenant David Kassaw began his law enforcement career in 1999 after attending the East Texas Police Academy , Kilgore . He has held various positions within the Palestine Police Department including Patrolman , Corporal Detective , Sergeant of Criminal Investigations & Internal Affairs Sergeant . David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SFA in Criminal Justice and Psychology . He holds a Master of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in Criminal Justice . David enjoys spending time with his wife , children , and grandchildren in his off time .
Captain Matt Kerr has been with the Palestine Police Department for 17 years . Matt attended the Angelina County Police Academy in 2007 where he received the Top Gun award . During his career at PPD , he has held various positions , including Patrolman , Corporal , K9 Handler , Sergeant , and Lieutenant . Matt is a United States Navy veteran with one deployment to Iraq . Matt was born in Palestine and he graduated from Elkhart High School in 2004 . He enjoys off road driving and spending time with his family during his off time .
Ricki Baker is a Lieutenant with the Palestine Police Department , where he has served for 15 years . Ricki attended the East Texas Police Academy in 2010 . During his career at PPD , he has held various positions , including Patrolman , Corporal , Sergeant , and Lieutenant . Ricki was born in San Antonio and raised in Dallas where he graduated from Metropolitan Christian High School in 1999 . During his off time , he enjoys spending time with his family , as well as traveling .