Welcome to Olney, Officer Matthew England

Officer Matthew England took the oath of office from Police Chief Dan Birbeck at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting to become the newest member of the city’s police force - then celebrated his new position and his wife’s birthday with a night on the town.

Officer England comes to Olney with more than 13 years of policing experience, most recently as a member of the City View Independent School District Police Department.

Before his stint with City View ISD, he worked with the Archer City Police Department with City Administrator Simon Dwyer “Simon worked with him up in Archer for a long time so he knows also what he brings to the table,” Chief Birbeck told the Council. “He is a great asset to us and he’s already hit the ground running.”

“I believe you got [methamphetamine] off the streets last night,” Chief Birbeck said to Officer England.

“Yes sir,” he replied. Officer England will cover the night shift, taking over from Officer Miranda Wright, who passed away in August. Like Officer Wright, who served as a K9 handler for the Young County Sheriff ’s Office and Olney PD, Officer England has focused on drug interdiction during his career, Chief Birbeck said.

Officer England told the Council that he was born in Spokane, Washington, and lived in Michigan but has lived in North Texas most of his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tarleton State University.

He and his wife, a Lubbock native, live in Archer City, where she works as a teacher and coach. Officer England also taught criminal justice in Archer City schools for seven years. He said he plans to work with Olney Police Detective Autumn Thames to bring a public safety career and technical education chapter to Olney ISD.

Officer England said he was completing a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Immersive Management Services.

“We’re glad to have you in Olney and working for the city and the police department and it sounds like you’ve hit the ground running,” Mayor Rue Rogers told Officer England.

“He’s already got ‘em on the run,” Chief Birbeck said.