Department fills vacancy as leadership turnover continues
The Amarillo Police Department on Wednesday promoted Erick Bohannon to the rank of assistant chief during a ceremony attended by department leaders and community members. Bohannon replaces Jimmy Johnson, who retired in April, and steps into a role shaped by multiple staff changes over the past year.
APD officials said the selection process for the promotion was comprehensive, involving written assignments, strategic planning and interview panels made up of community members, City of Amarillo department directors and police chiefs.
"The selection process for Bohannon spanned about three months and included written assignments, strategic planning and multiple interview panels."
Experience and qualifications
Bohannon brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Amarillo Police Department to his new position. During his career he has worked in patrol, criminal investigations, SWAT, narcotics, homicide investigations and critical incident response. His rank progression has included time as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
Academically and professionally, Bohannon holds a Master of Science in criminal justice, is a TCOLE Master Peace Officer and a certified instructor, and is a graduate of the Leadership Command College. He also teaches as an adjunct criminal justice faculty member at Amarillo College and remains active in local community work.
Context: recent turnover at the top
The promotion comes after a period of notable leadership changes within APD. Chief Thomas Hover was selected earlier this year as police chief. Johnson had been serving as interim chief beginning in March 2025 after the retirement of Martin Birkenfeld. Birkenfeld stepped down amid backlash tied to a letter he wrote supporting a convicted child predator.
In September 2025, while Johnson was interim chief, he promoted Capt. Joe Loftus to assistant chief to replace Ken Funtek. Funtek retired in August 2025 during a DWI investigation connected to a crash initially reported by the department as a hit-and-run.
- April 2026: Jimmy Johnson retires, creating the vacancy Bohannon fills.
- March 2025: Johnson named interim chief after Martin Birkenfeld’s retirement.
- September–August 2025: Additional reshuffling included promotions and the retirement of Ken Funtek amid an investigation.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Birkenfeld retirement | March 2025 |
| Ken Funtek retirement (DWI investigation) | August 2025 |
| Joe Loftus promoted to assistant chief | September 2025 |
| Jimmy Johnson retirement | April 2026 |
| Erick Bohannon promotion | August 19, 2026 |
What this means for Amarillo
Police leadership stability is closely watched by residents and city officials alike. Bohannon’s long tenure at APD and experience across investigative and tactical units may offer continuity as Chief Hover leads the department. City leaders who participated in the selection process signaled an interest in thorough vetting, seeking candidates with operational experience and community ties.
While the department has navigated controversy and abrupt departures in recent years, officials emphasized a deliberate approach to filling key posts. Bohannon’s background in training and in higher education at Amarillo College may factor into APD priorities around officer development and community engagement.
Details about Bohannon’s specific responsibilities as assistant chief and any immediate changes to department structure were not released at the ceremony.
The promotion ceremony was documented by the department and media outlets, which noted the multi-month selection effort and the panels involved in vetting candidates for the post.
City residents and stakeholders will be watching how the newly configured leadership addresses ongoing public safety challenges and works with community groups in Amarillo.
