
After three months working in the private sector, Mike Markle will return to his former position of Corpus Christi police chief July 27. Photo courtesy of the city of Corpus Christi
On July 27, pending City Council approval, former Chief of Police Mike Markle will become the current chief of police, returning to the position three months after retiring and taking a job in the private sector.
After serving 32 years with the police department, Markle announced his retirement in March. A local and national search for a new chief was quickly underway.
Markle had served in the position for six years, taking over in 2016 after the death of Chief Floyd Simpson in a motorcycle accident in May 2015. He was highly regarded and the mayor and city manager both said they were happy he is coming back.
“Chief Mike Markle asked me to return to the city as police chief. I accepted his request and was excited to do so,” City Manager Peter Zanoni said.
“I am beyond thrilled to announce that former Police Chief Mike Markle will be returning to the City of Corpus Christi as our Chief of Police once again!” announced Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo on Facebook. “We welcome him back with open arms.”
Markle’s first day back on the job is Tuesday, July 27. He will take over for interim Police Chief David Blackmon, who recently pulled his name from consideration for the permanent job. Blackmon will most likely return to his previous position of assistant police chief. More than 40 people applied for the job as of late June.