Fair Oaks names interim police chief as Moring retires

Chief Todd Smith took the oath of office Monday as the interim Fair Oaks Ranch chief of police, succeeding Chief Tim Moring, whose retirement was effective Aug. 2. Moring’s retirement ends a long tenure with the city. He began as a Fair Oaks Ranch officer in March 2006. He progressed through the ranks until being named chief in June 2020.

Moring served as interim chief in October 2019, when former Chief Sott Rubin departed.

“Chief Moring committed countless hours to the department and to this community,” the city said on its website. “We recognize him for his years of service to the city, its residents and staff. We also wish him well as he takes this next step to refocus on and enjoy more time with his family.”

Smith, sworn in 9 a.m. Monday at City Hall, is a 25-year veteran with Austin Police Department, advancing to assistant police chief before retiring.

“He comes in with great strengths in many areas, including patrol, community engagement, internal affairs, and as a SWAT team member,” said Scott Huizenga, Fair Oaks Ranch city manager.

“More importantly, he’s a very dynamic engaging, personable person focused on developing the individual and team for potential leadership opportunities in the future,” Huizenga said Smith, who was working fulltime as an executive consultant and professional development coach for the Austin Police Department, issued an introductory statement through the city as well.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with the men and women in the department who have an impressive record of making Fair Oaks Ranch one of the safest communities in Texas,” Smith said.

“Their record speaks to their dedication and hard work as well as their knowledge and involvement in the community,” Smith said, adding, “As a servant leader it is my job to help make sure they have the tools to continue to excel.”

Huizenga said there is no current timeline for naming Moring’s permanent successor. The city manager ultimately is responsible for appointing the police chief, Huizenga said.

“There’s no timeline ... at the moment,” the city manager said. “We’re focused on Chief Smith coming in and improvement within all our divisions.”

Huizenga said Smith “is going to be the true leader of the department. He’s doing more than temporarily filling the chief’s shoes.”