Doug Kowalski has been hired as Lucas’ Director of Public Safety with the intention of making him the city’s first police chief, officials said.

LUCAS, Texas — The City of Lucas has selected Doug Kowalski as director of public safety, with the intent that he become the city’s first police chief once the Lucas Police Department is officially established, officials said. 

Kowalski brings nearly five decades of law enforcement experience. He previously served with the New York City Police Department and the Dallas Police Department, where he rose to the rank of deputy chief. He later became police chief in McKinney and most recently served as police chief in Prosper. In those roles, he helped build modern police operations, develop future leaders and strengthen relationships with the communities they served, officials said. 

Kowalski is expected to join the City of Lucas in March 2026. 

As director of public safety, he will lead the planning and development of the Lucas Police Department, including policy creation, staffing, training and the establishment of a department culture aligned with community expectations.

City officials said the appointment marks a significant step toward enhancing local public safety and creating a police department grounded in service, professionalism and public trust.

The city will host a community town hall at 6:30 p.m. on April 7 to introduce Kowalski and discuss plans for the new police department. The meeting will be held at the Lovejoy High School Auditorium.