The Elm Ridge Police Department was created by the Elm Ridge WCID (formerly Denton County Fresh Water Supply District #10) and began operations in January of 2019. The police department is located at 728 Savannah Boulevard, Savannah, Texas 76227 (adjacent to the Savannah clubhouse).
The police department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The police department lobby is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Friday 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
The Police Department has a current authorized strength of 23 police officers, which includes a Chief of Police, a Captain, a Lieutenant, 4 Patrol Sergeants, 1 Criminal Investigations Sergeant, 1 Detective, 1 Community Services Officer, 12 Police Officers and a School Resource Officer for Savannah Elementary School.
Divisions
Phone Numbers:
For emergencies, residents should dial 9-1-1 to be connected to the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.
The DCSO dispatches for the Police Department.
Non-Emergency calls may be directed to the Denton County Sheriff’s Office at 940-349-1600 (option 9).
Mission Statement
The Elm Ridge Police Department is committed to professional and progressive policing methods that exceed the expectations of our community. We value the trust of our citizens and will perform our duties by following our core values of service, integrity, transparency, and empathy. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, we will strive to enhance the safety and security within our community. On this we stand.
Our Values
- Service
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Empathy
Bill Knack, Chief of Police
469-481-6433
Chief Bill Knack was hired as the operations Lieutenant with the Elm Ridge Police Department in September of 2019 and was appointed the Chief of Police on September 16th, 2020.
Bill began his law enforcement career in 1996 after graduating valedictorian from the University of North Texas Police Academy. His first position was as a patrol officer and field training officer for the City of Coppell. After his time in the patrol division, Bill accepted a position as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. He was later appointed to develop and create the Coppell Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit which focused on narcotics activity and episodic criminal activity within the City of Coppell. He was promoted to Corporal, then later a Sergeant over the Organized Crime Unit, which evolved into a four-person unit and a K9 Handler. As a Sergeant, Bill also spent time as a Task Force Officer assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Unit. After returning from his assignment with DEA, Bill promoted to the rank of Captain where he oversaw numerous divisions including patrol, criminal investigations, the organized crime unit, and the school resource officers.
Chief Knack is a past graduate of Eastfield College in Dallas, TX where he received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Bill continued his education and attended Lamar University where he graduated with honors obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education and is a graduate of the United States Department of Justice Drug Unit Commanders Academy Class Number 70, the 64th Session of Senior Management Institute for Policing, and The Center for American and International Law’s School of Executive Leadership.
Brandon Kennedy, Captain
469-715-6246
Captain Brandon Kennedy began his law enforcement career at the North Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy, where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class. He then began his service with the Addison Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, and crime scene investigator. He later moved to the Little Elm Police Department where he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, and canine handler.
In 2018, Brandon joined the newly forming Elm Ridge Police Department as the department’s first full time School Resource Officer. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he oversaw the department’s Field Training Program. During his tenure as Sergeant, he also developed the department’s Police Explorer Program and other community initiatives. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and now oversees department operations under the direction of the Chief of Police.
Captain Kennedy holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Arkansas State University and is a Cum Laude graduate of the University of North Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the 58th School of Executive Leadership at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. He also holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Erica O’Bryon, Lieutenant
Lieutenant Erica O’Bryon began her Law Enforcement career in 2005 in the state of New Mexico. As an Officer in New Mexico, she held the positions of Patrol Officer, Police Explorer Advisor, Public Information Officer, Training Officer, and Recruiting Officer.
In late 2013, Erica became certified as a Police Officer in Texas and began working at the Rockwall Police Department. While with the Rockwall Police Department she held the position of Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Background Investigator and Patrol Sergeant. Erica was hired as a Patrol Sergeant with the Elm Ridge Police Department in March 2021.
Erica is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M-Commerce, where she earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. She is also a graduate of the 60th School of Executive Leadership at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. Erica also holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.