Sherman ISD Welcomes Police Chief Heath Wester
By Arena Blake
Director of Communications
Heath Wester, a law enforcement veteran with more than 28 years of experience, joins Sherman ISD as the district’s first school resource officer and police chief.
Chief Wester joins SISD from the Grayson County Sheriff's Office, where he served as a lieutenant and oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division. During his tenure there, Wester spearheaded the launch of the Internet Crimes Against Children center and orchestrated the purchase of the county’s first-ever armored vehicle. Prior to his time in Grayson County, Wester served for 21 years in the Grand Prairie Police Department.
As Sherman ISD’s police chief, Wester will oversee the school resource officer program, all aspects of campus safety, and the development of the district’s own police department, hiring officers to work closely with campuses regarding safety needs.
Previously, the district partnered with the Sherman Police Department to contract school resource officers. But the growth of the district has made a dedicated department more practical. Additionally, by directly hiring our school-based officers, we will be better able to address safety and some of the staffing challenges we have previously faced.
“To build a program like this from the ground up is super exciting for me,” Wester said. “I’m looking forward to making the SISD Police Department an award-winning police agency in North Texas where we’ll hire the best officers to provide safety and security for our faculty, kids, and visitors to our campuses.”
Dr. David Hicks, superintendent, said that Wester is a proven leader who has a history of building successful programs.
“The safety and security of our schools are one of our most important responsibilities,” he said. “Chief Wester has the vision to build a program to fit the growth and needs of our community. His passion for service and dedication to excellence will greatly benefit our district.”