New ROISD police chief knows his way around

RED OAK – The Red Oak ISD is bringing back a police chief to the area people might already recognize by name.  

Chief Phillip Prasifka was hired to lead the school’s law enforcement department for the upcoming school year.  

Prasifka was the police chief in Glenn Heights 20 years before taking the chief of police position in Robinson in 2017. While in Glenn Heights, Prasifka also took on the role of interim city manager several times and handled the job of administrator for the fire department.

Once in Robinson, Prasifka not only served as the police chief, but also was the assistant emergency management coordinator. 

“We are excited about Chief Prasifka’s valuable experience as well as his commitment to the community,” said Red OakSuperintendent Brenda Sanford. “Our officers are a very important part of the fabric of the district and we value their expertise. Chief Prasifka will bring additional depth and knowledge, as well as dedication and passion for ROISD. We are thrilled to have such a compassionate and professional leader take the helm.”

Indeed, Chief Prasifka is committed to building and enriching relationships with the Red Oak ISD community. He said that includes being a visible part of the community and serving the community with fairness, transparency, and impartiality.  

While there might be some changes that the chief will implement down the road he said, “Before implementing any changes, I will first take the time to assess the current operations and programs of the department.

“I strongly believe in developing relationships, so after this initial assessment period, together we should be able to bring forward programs that help to “Realize Our Individual Student’s Dreams (ROISD).” 

As for the differences in working for a city versus an ISD, Prasifka said while there are definitely a few when it comes down to it, the basics are the same.  

“You treat your community with respect, you listen to them, you are transparent, and you are impartial in your decision making,” he said. “This is vital, whether you are interacting with citizens of a City, or students, faculty, or parents of the ISD.” 

Prasifka holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University, holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), and is a TCOLE Instructor.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College, and a member of the Texas Police Chief’s Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Central Texas Area Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association, and the Robinson Independent School District Safety Committee.  

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Red Oak ISD family,” Prasifka concluded. “My wife and I have lived in the district for over 21 years, so now being afforded the privilege to serve the Red Oak ISD community, it feels like I have returned home.”