Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis has been fired due to leadership concerns and multiple investigations.
GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston Island Beach Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis has been dismissed from his position effective immediately after more than 40 years of service, following what officials described as “a series of back-to-back investigations.”
Interim CEO Marty Miles announced the termination on July 8, pointing to concerns about Davis’s leadership of the department. The decision comes after investigations into contracting and procurement practices, conflicts of interest, personnel management, and safety and hospitality issues, according to a release from the Galveston Parks Board.
Austin Kirwin, a 14-year beach patrol veteran, is now serving as interim chief.
“It is never an easy decision to remove an employee. Let me assure you, every factor was taken into account,” Miles said, “but my number one priority at the end of the day is to have the right person overseeing the program that is responsible for the safety of every person who visits our beaches.”
The Park Board has responded to the investigation findings by updating its policies and procedures related to contracting and procurement, conflicts of interest, personnel management, and safety and hospitality. Miles said the leadership change was deemed “appropriate and necessary under the circumstances.”
No additional details about the specific nature of the investigations or the circumstances leading to Davis’s termination were provided in the announcement of his dismissal.