CHIEF OF POLICE

Don Gosnell
Don Gosnell began his career in law enforcement in 1967 when he became a trooper for the state of Texas in the Highway Patrol. After graduating from the academy Don was stationed in many Texas cities including Houston, Ballinger, Wellington and Cross Plains. Don served the state of Texas and its residents in this capacity for 31 years. For twenty seven of those years Cross Plains was fortunate to have Don stationed here. When Don retired from the Highway Patrol he was asked to serve the City of Cross Plains in another capacity as Chief of Police. On October 1st, 1998 Don accepted the position of Chief of Police and has served the citizens of Cross Plains in that capacity until the present. Don is widely known throughout law enforcement circles for his integrity, professionalism, fairness and tenacity. Don is a highly decorated officer with several commendations from both the Texas Highway Patrol as well as the City of Cross Plains.

Don was born in Wellington, Texas on February 27, 1943. In 1979 Don married Debbie Potter. Together they have three children - Cindy, Bonnie, and Jody. Don also has four grandchildren - Chad and Hayley Smith & Jayten and Lindsey Ames.

Don is an avid sportsman. Some of his hobbies include fishing & hunting, weightlifting, riding bikes with his family, camping and the occasional volley ball game. He can tell a good story too, as many of his friends can verify. Don has a great sense of humor and is always up for a prank - usually at the expense of one of his many friends.

Don is very civic minded and is always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Cross Plains in his capacity as Chief of Police.  Don has participated in civic programs such as the D.A.R.E. program and has spoken at functions in order to educate the public concerning law enforcement and protection of the citizens of Cross Plains.

 

 

 

JARROD POTTER PATROLMAN
Jarrod Potter joined the Cross Plains Police Department in October of 2010. Jarrod had previously worked for the City in another capacity before developing an interest in law enforcement. In March of 2010, Jarrod applied and was accepted to the the Texas Law Enforcement Academy in Abilene, Texas. For the following eight months, Jarrod began the rigorous training activities associated with the academy and on the 19rd day of October, 2010, Jarrod graduated from the Academy with high honors. Jarrod began his duties as a patrolman on the Cross Plains Police Department on November 1st, 2010.

Jarrod has made his home in Cross Plains, Texas all his life. He graduated from Cross Plains High School. Jarrod is actively involved with the youth of Cross Plains and along with his wife Amy and their three children -Riley, Brady and Kambri - are members of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.

Jarrod's goal in serving the citizens of Cross Plains is to provide a safe environment for all citizens of the community with fairness. Working closely with Chief Gosnell and the administration of the City, Jarrod is convinced a proactive approach will benefit the community in the coming years. Jarrod looks forward to a long tenure in his current position and is dedicated to serving the community with all of the skills at his disposal.