Houston transit agency promotes Bumpers to police chief

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) has named Vera Bumpers chief of police. She succeeds Tim Kelly, who recently was named executive vice president of operations, public safety and customer service.

Bumpers is the first woman to be promoted to all levels of command in the agency's police department, METRO officials said in a press release.

During her 30-plus year career at METRO, Bumpers has served as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant police chief. As chief, she plans to focus on communication, cooperation and commitment in the department, Bumpers said.

"I went into law enforcement to help and protect, be involved in the community, bring change and uphold the law," she said. "I've been able to do that for our transit customers, our employees and the public. I look forward to my new role and I hope to be as instrumental in the development of future leaders at [METRO Police Department] as the agency has in my career."