The Fulshear Police Department is entering a new chapter of leadership following the departure of its longtime police chief, a transition that comes as one of Fort Bend County's fastest-growing communities continues to face increasing public safety demands.

On October 13, 2026, the Fulshear City Council voted unanimously to appoint David A. Gott as Interim Chief of Police, bringing a veteran Texas law enforcement officer with 44 years of experience to the department.

Gott's appointment comes nearly one month after City Council voted to terminate former Police Chief Kenneth "Kenny" Seymour, who had led the department for approximately 15 years. Seymour's September 15 dismissal followed an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct, marking a significant leadership change for the city's police force.

For Fulshear residents, the appointment provides new leadership at a time when the department is navigating both an internal transition and the demands of serving a rapidly expanding community.

Fulshear's Leadership Change Follows Removal of Former Police Chief Kenny Seymour

Before Gott's appointment, the Fulshear Police Department had been led by Kenneth Seymour, who became police chief in 2011.

On September 15, 2026, the Fulshear City Council voted unanimously to terminate Seymour's employment following an independent administrative investigation. The investigation examined allegations involving an inappropriate relationship and financial involvement with a subordinate officer, along with concerns about misconduct and truthfulness during the inquiry.

According to reporting by the Houston Chronicle and ABC13 Houston, the investigation was conducted by an independent investigator who presented findings to City Council. Seymour and his attorney disputed the investigation's scope and conclusions.

Following the vote, city officials emphasized their responsibility to maintain public confidence in local law enforcement. The city also made clear that police operations would continue under the city manager's direction, with oversight from department leadership, until an interim chief could be appointed.

The change ended Seymour's approximately 15-year tenure and left Fulshear with the responsibility of selecting a leader to guide the department through the transition.

Gott's appointment now fills that interim leadership position, although city officials have not announced how long he will serve or whether a search for a permanent police chief is underway.

Who Is David Gott? Fulshear's New Interim Police Chief Has 44 Years of Experience

Gott began his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in 1980, working his way from patrol officer to captain. Over more than four decades in policing, he held numerous supervisory and command positions, including responsibility for some of Houston's most demanding police operations.

During his career with HPD, Gott commanded the Homicide Division, overseeing investigations involving murders, aggravated assaults, kidnappings and other serious violent crimes.

He also led the Tactical Operations Division, which included specialized units responsible for SWAT operations, hostage negotiations, bomb disposal, K-9 operations, diving and marine enforcement.

His leadership experience extended beyond criminal investigations and emergency response. As commander of the Internal Affairs Division, Gott directed investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct and officer accountability. He also oversaw the Clear Lake Patrol Division, managing police operations across approximately 47 square miles of southeast Houston.

Additionally, Gott commanded HPD's Recruiting Division, where he was responsible for overseeing the recruitment, evaluation and hiring of future Houston police officers.

Following his career with HPD, Gott served as Chief of Police for Hedwig Village from 2013 to 2024, spending more than a decade leading the department in the Memorial-area community.

In 2025, he served as Interim Chief of Police for the Brenham Police Department, giving him recent experience guiding another Texas law enforcement agency through a leadership transition.

Gott has also been involved in professional law enforcement organizations throughout the state. He previously served as president of the Houston Area Police Chiefs Association and as a committee member and assessor for the Texas Police Chiefs Association's Best Practices Accreditation Program.

His professional credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the designation of Master Hostage Negotiator.

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Why Police Leadership Matters as Fulshear Continues to Grow

Fulshear's leadership transition comes during a period of substantial growth that has transformed the city from a small Fort Bend County community into an expanding suburban destination for families and businesses.

Master-planned communities such as Cross Creek Ranch, Fulbrook and other residential developments along FM 1093 and Texas Heritage Parkway have contributed to the area's population growth. New commercial developments, schools and transportation improvements are also changing the way residents live, work and travel throughout the city.

For the Fulshear Police Department, that growth means serving more residents, responding to changing traffic patterns, planning for future staffing needs and maintaining public safety across an expanding community.

It also creates a need for leadership capable of balancing daily police operations with long-term planning, employee development and community relationships.

Gott's background includes experience with both large metropolitan policing and smaller municipal departments, an important distinction for a city experiencing the challenges of rapid development while working to maintain the accessibility residents expect from local government.

His experience overseeing officer recruitment, internal investigations and departmental operations may also be relevant as Fulshear evaluates its public safety needs in the years ahead.

Fulshear Police Emphasizes Accountability, Community Trust and Officer Support

In announcing Gott's appointment, the Fulshear Police Department emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between officers, city leadership and the residents they serve.

The department identified accountability, professionalism, fairness and community policing as continuing priorities, while recognizing that effective law enforcement involves more than responding to emergencies or enforcing laws.

Those priorities carry additional significance following the circumstances surrounding Seymour's removal, which brought questions about departmental leadership and accountability before City Council.

The city's announcement also emphasized supporting the officers and employees who continue to serve Fulshear throughout the transition.

While Gott's appointment does not itself establish any new departmental policies, his experience in internal affairs, organizational leadership, officer development and strategic planning provides a background that city leaders can draw upon as they address the department's needs.

For residents, maintaining trust in local law enforcement will remain an important part of that process, particularly as the city continues welcoming new families, businesses and neighborhoods.

What's Next for the Fulshear Police Department?

With Gott appointed interim chief, the Fulshear Police Department now has a designated leader following the September departure of its former chief.

The city has not yet announced a timeline for selecting a permanent police chief or provided details about whether Gott may be considered for that position.

Likewise, no specific changes to police staffing, department policies or public safety programs have been announced in connection with his appointment.

For now, the immediate focus is on maintaining department operations, supporting officers and continuing to serve residents while city leadership determines the department's longer-term direction.

The Fulshear Police Department has encouraged residents, business owners and community partners to welcome Gott as he begins his new role.

For a community that has experienced considerable change over the past decade, the transition represents another important decision in how Fulshear prepares for its future. As new neighborhoods and commercial developments continue to take shape, residents will be watching how city leaders support public safety services and maintain confidence in the officers responsible for protecting the community.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of Fulshear city government, police department leadership, Fort Bend County development and other decisions affecting local residents.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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