The Fulshear City Council voted unanimously to appoint David A. Gott as the city’s interim chief of police. He fills a vacancy left by the removal of former chief Kenny Seymour. Gott stepped into the role following approval from city officials, bringing decades of command-level experience to guide the department through this transition.
Leadership Transition Following Department Investigation
Gott’s appointment comes four weeks after the Fulshear City Council voted unanimously on September 15 to remove former Police Chief Kenny Seymour. Seymour had led the department for 15 years and was placed on paid administrative leave in late August. He was dismissed following an independent administrative investigation, which city officials stated uncovered overwhelming evidence of misconduct.
Police operations temporarily ran under the direct supervision of City Manager Zach Goodlander and department command staff after Seymour’s departure. City leadership then interviewed candidates recommended by executive placement firms before selecting Gott for the interim position.
David A. Gott’s Extensive Law Enforcement Background
Gott brings 44 years of law enforcement experience to Fulshear, with more than 40 of those years spent in leadership and command roles. His career spans several notable chapters across Texas law enforcement:
- Houston Police Department (1980-2013): Gott began as a patrol officer and rose to captain. During his 33-year tenure, he commanded multiple divisions, including Homicide, Internal Affairs, Tactical Operations, Clear Lake Patrol, and Recruiting.
- Hedwig Village Police Department (2013-2024): Gott served as the chief of police for this municipality on Houston’s west side until his retirement in September 2024.
- City of Brenham (2025): Most recently, Gott served briefly as the interim administrative head and police chief for the Brenham Police Department, assisting that agency until a permanent successor was sworn in.
Gott holds a bachelor’s degree from Mountain State University. He also maintains certifications as a Master Peace Officer and a Master Hostage Negotiator.
Immediate Goals and Search for a Permanent Chief
Gott’s primary objective is to maintain organizational stability and support department personnel while the city searches for a permanent leader. City officials anticipate that the selection and hiring process for a permanent chief will take between three and six months.
Regarding his priorities, Gott emphasized policy alignment. “Make sure your policies align with your values, make sure your policies align with state law, obviously, and make sure that we’re performing as best as we possibly can,” Gott noted.
City management and the Fulshear City Council will continue evaluating the department’s long-term needs while Gott manages day-to-day public safety operations for the growing Fort Bend County community.
