William Mike Brodnax

William M (Mike) Brodnax began his service in law enforcement in 1976 as a police reserve officer with the Lancaster, Texas Police Department.  

Mike attended the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy in 1976 graduating in 1977.  While in the academy Mike applied for the DeSoto Police Department and was hired in February 1977 where he remained for thirty-five years. Mike worked his way through the ranks and held many assignments within the DeSoto Police Department.  Mike supervised Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Internal Affairs, Tactical Operations and Field Training. In 1994, as a Lieutenant, Mike was assigned to supervise the Dallas County Auto Theft Task Force, a multi-organizational task force comprised of several police agencies in Dallas County. This task force operated out of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.  Mike remained in this assignment for two years. In spring of 1996 Mike was brought back to DeSoto and named acting Chief of Police.  In 1996 Mike was named Chief of Police and remained DeSoto Chief of Police for fifteen years. Mike is currently the longest tenured Chief of Police for DeSoto.  Mike has twenty years of Civil Service (143 local code) experience.  In March of 2012 Mike retired from DeSoto after thirty-five years of service.  In April of 2012 Mike was named the Rowlett Chief of Police where he remained for eight years, retiring in 2020. 

Mike began his college journey by attending Abilene Christian University, obtaining an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. Mike then moved to Dallas Baptist University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. Mike also has his Master Peace Officer’s Certificate, TCLEOSE Certified Instructor, State of Texas Certified Public Manager, certified for basic and advanced mediations and qualified for court appointed dispute mediations. Mike also attended the Management College and Advanced Management College at Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute.  Mike is a graduate of the 212th FBI National Academy. 

Mike has been a member of many organizations during his career.  Those memberships include Texas Police Chief’s Association (Life Member), International Association of Chief’s of Police (Life Member), North Texas Police Chief’s Association (Past President 2004).  Mike also participated in numerous civic organizations such as North Texas Crime Commission, Concerned DeSoto Citizens, DeSoto Leadership Series and Rowlett Leadership Series. 

Mike is currently a licensed Rowlett Police Officer, has his Texas Handgun License and is a Texas licensed Private Security and Personal Protection Officer. 

Chief Brodnax believes his strongest asset is recognizing and developing future police leaders. Chief Brodnax has been a Chief of Police for 25 years and has developed and mentored seven of his officers to become Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police. They are as follows: Midlothian TX, Georgetown TX, Alvin TX, Farmerville TX, Rowlett TX, Dallas Methodist Hospital (Chief and Assistant Chief).  Chief Brodnax began working for Sierra Delta shortly after his retirement.