Police Chief Donna Spinato Retires

Congratulations are in order for Police Chief Donna Spinato, who is retiring from Texas A&M Commerce Police Department with more than 36 years of service! City of Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams presented Chief Spinato with with a special proclamation, honoring her service to the community.

When she began in 1981 as a dispatcher, Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was the summer blockbuster at the theaters. During her tenure, she served as a dispatcher, security guard, police officer, sergeant, investigator, and captain. She was named Interim Chief of Police in 1998 and has served as the Chief of Police since 1999. Bryan Vaughn became the new Chief of Police on September 1, 2018.

According to Texas A&M Commerce Vice President Alicia Currin, "Police Chief Donna Spinato has been a true 'lion' and great visionary leader for more than 36 years. She has always put the safety of our students first. Her reputation for excellence will be long remembered. She is very deserving of this opportunity to enjoy her family and other interests. We wish her well!"

(photo credit: Ryan Scott, The Commerce Journal)