From Houston to Heartland: New Police Chief Takes Helm in Stillwater

Christopher Hassig takes the oath of office as Stillwater's new Chief of Police during a ceremony Monday attended by city officials and community members. The former Houston Police Department captain brings 18 years of experience to the role.

In an emotion filled address following his swearing-in, Hassig emphasized his commitment to the department's personnel and the Stillwater community.

"I promise to put the employees first," Hassig said. "This is your department. I want to make sure that this is a place that you enjoy coming day in and day out so that when we have a healthy, happy employee group, I think that translates to a happy, healthy community."

Christopher Hassig swears in with Judge Tanya C. Raun in council chambers inside the Norman McNickle Municipal Complex. – Photo by Chris Peters

Read the oath taken by Stillwater law enforcement officers

I, “STATE YOUR NAME” do solemnly swear (or affirm) that, as a law enforcement officer, I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

I will discharge the duties of my office to serve mankind, safeguard lives and property, and protect the constitutional rights of all people.

I shall be exemplary in obeying and enforcing the laws and regulations of my department.

I will never allow personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions.

I will not knowingly receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing for the performance or non-performance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law.

And, I further swear that whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duties.

The new chief officially began his duties on April 28, following a comprehensive nationwide search. City Manager Brady Moore praised Hassig's qualifications and character.

"Chief Hassig was chosen following a comprehensive selection process," Moore said. "Members of the Stillwater Police Department and community stakeholders were very impressed with Hassig's experience, leadership style and genuine desire to serve this department and the Stillwater community."

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Hassig, who previously served as a captain with the Houston Police Department, managed more than 160 personnel in the nation's fifth-largest police department. His responsibilities encompassed citywide management of investigations into murder, kidnapping, missing persons, and officer-involved shootings.

"I know that as an outsider, I don't take that lightly," Hassig said, acknowledging his status as a newcomer to Stillwater. "I want to make sure, to the best of my ability, that I include everybody in the decision-making processes down the road to make this the best police department in the state of Oklahoma, the region and the country."

Members of the Stillwater Police Department, city staff and elected officials witness the swearing in ceremony for Christopher Hassig. – Photos by Chris Peters

Hassig reflects on moving his family Stillwater

In his remarks, Hassig shares a personal reflection on the timing of his career move, noting that exactly one year before his interview in Stillwater, he was dealing with the loss of his father.

"What a difference a year makes," Hassig said. "March 3, 2024, I was in a car going to the airport. My father had just passed away and so I was having to leave from Houston to go up to Detroit to go tend to my mother and my siblings and his siblings."

A year later, Hassig and his family were driving to Stillwater for his interview. "We really fell in love with this place," he said of their visit to the city.

Hassig's family, including his wife Lauren and their children, will join him in Stillwater by Memorial Day weekend. He expresses gratitude for their support in making this significant move.

"I would not be here without their love and support," Hassig said. "We're stepping out in faith and coming here to a new city."

Stillwater Chief of Police Christopher Hassig. – Photo by Chris Peters

Hassig's experience checked multiple boxes

Providing public safety support for large football events stood out to city leaders. Hassig's division at HPD included public safety support for Houston Texan NFL games at NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium).

"Through this process, we got to know Christopher and hear about him and his background and his leadership at the city of Houston," Moore said. "The division that he was a part of was the largest division they did. Part of his area was around Reliance Stadium and a lot of the coordination with big events there."

Hassig's leadership philosophy centers on three key tenets: presence, partnerships, and professionalism. Throughout his career in Houston, he co-led department initiatives to improve internal communications and promote transparency while also leading disciplinary reform to improve accountability.

Deputy City Manager Christy Driskel, who worked closely with the police department during the selection process, expresses confidence in the new chief.

"Stillwater Police Department personnel exhibit professionalism and expertise daily and we are excited about the leadership and experience that Chief Hassig will bring to the City of Stillwater," Driskel said in a March statement. "I look forward to working with Hassig and introducing him across the organization and community."

Hassig concluded his remarks with a commitment to balanced leadership.

"I'm going to lead when I need to lead and mostly listen when I need to listen," he said. "I know we're all adults. We all have our ideas on what we can do to make this a better place, a better city. And so I want to lean on all of you to do what I can do and make this a better place."

📺 Watch the ceremony on YouTube