For the past ten years, Tom Wibert has led the men and women of the New Braunfels Police Department with professionalism, skill and pure heart. He has guided the department through the greatest period of growth in recent history, overseeing the force grow from 100 officers when he started to 140 officers today. He brought to New Braunfels a style of policing that focuses on officers being part of the larger community that it serves. Modeling that philosophy, Wibert is the Past President of the New Braunfels Kiwanis Club and serves on the Board of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County. 

Chief Wibert is well-known for telling new recruits that the most effective police officers are those who love their community and love their work. “My primary leadership responsibility is to help all department members find this groove. When that happens, the rest is easy,” said Wibert. 

During Wibert’s tenure, he established a Victim’s Advocacy Team, a Mental Health Unit, a Police Explorer Troop, and a Chaplains Unit. He worked with the NBISD to fund and staff the School Resource Officer Program and established strong partnerships with the US Marshals, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. For the past year, he has overseen the department’s work in designing the new Police Department Building approved in the 2019 Bond Program. 

Wibert is a third-generation police officer. Before New Braunfels, he was with the East Lansing, Michigan Police Department where he served for 25 years, including Chief of Police the last 5 years. 

“Tom’s greatest asset as Police Chief is that he cares. He cares about this community, he cares about the organization, and he cares about his staff,” said City Manager Robert Camareno. “He is leaving the department better from his leadership.”  

Chief Wibert’s last day with the City will be October 3, 2020. The City is working to appoint an Interim Police Chief while a search is launched for the next New Braunfels Police Chief.