METRO names first woman, African-American police chief

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- METRO has named a new Chief of Police, and she's two firsts for the agency.

Vera Bumpers becomes the first woman chief of police and is also the agency's first African-American police chief.

Bumpers has been with METRO for more than 30 years and has now held posts at every level of command: Officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant police chief and now police chief.

"I started in 1981 and at that time, it was a security department," said Bumpers. "There were no more than 30 of us; like a little family. It was overwhelming for me coming to a big city; I came right out of college."

The San Antonio native earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas State University. She also received her graduate degree from Prairie View A&M University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

"I went into law enforcement to help and protect, be involved in the community, bring change and uphold the law," said Bumpers. "I've been able to do that for our transit customers, our employees and the public. I look forward to my new role and I hope to be as instrumental in the development of future leaders at MPD as the agency has in my career."

Bumpers replaces Tim Kelly as chief. Kelly now has a new role at METRO.