Breaking News: Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld Retires Amid Controversy
Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld has retired after 35 years in law enforcement. The City of Amarillo confirmed that a separation agreement was reached.
Birkenfeld who joined the Amarillo Police Department in 1990 and became police chief in 2020, faced scrutiny after writing a letter to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk during the sentencing of former Perryton High School coach Cole Underwood, who was convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor.
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After a City Council executive session, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley stated, “Council fully supports our City Manager and how he has handled this issue.”
The city has named Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson Acting Chief while it begins the search for a new chief.
