Chief Clay Resigns
Olney Police Chief Conny Clay submitted his resignation to the City Council at the regular meeting on meeting on Monday, May 25. Clay officially started the position as chief civilian administrator on June 25, 2019. Prior to accepting the position in Olney, he served as Chief of Police at the Choctaw, Oklahoma Police Department, and began his law enforcement career in 1979.
When starting his position in Olney, Clay said, “I’ve always liked the smaller towns, and I think this could be a good opportunity for me to share my experience and knowledge with a small town, to help it grow.” Some of the things Clay accomplished during the last year include: hiring new police officers to expand the force, changing the City Police Patch that includes significant community icons, conducting meetings to hear the concerns of the citizens, working with the Texas State Police Department, the Young County Sherriff ’s Office and other agencies to solve crimes such as the arrests connected to the string of car burglaries, shootings and homicides that occurred in in 2019. One of Clay’s most recent achievements includes Crime Stoppers to reduce the criminal activity in Olney. Also, Clay informed the community through his column “Chief Thoughts” published in Olney Enterprise.
One of Clay’s challenges that he faced when starting the position as Chief was building trust with the citizens in light of the adversity that loomed over the Olney Police Department, stating trust is something that is earned, “I will speak honestly with people and treat everyone the same. I believe once they find out they can trust you with their concerns, [the] trust will grow.”
Chief Clay thanks the City and citizens of Olney stating, “Thank you for the support that I have been given. I wish whomever is chosen for the Chief position all the luck and hope he or she will get the same support.”
City Administrator Neal Welch said, “On behalf of everyone with the City and our citizens I wish to thank Chief Clay for his service during his watch over Olney. Chief Clay was integral in rebuilding our police department, its image, and relationship with area agencies from where it stood this time two years ago. His actions and service will continue to benefit our community for years to come. On a personal note, I want to express that working with Chief Clay has been an honor and a blessing, and I know we will all miss him as he makes plans for his future.”