The City of Duncanville has announced that Matthew Stogner will take up the mantle as Interim Police Chief, stepping in after the retirement announcement of the former chief, Mark LiVigni. Starting from January 19, Stogner, who has been part of the local force since 1998, will occupy the role while a national search is conducted for a permanent replacement. City managers expressed strong confidence in Stogner's abilities to guide the Police Department through this period of change, according to the City of Duncanville.
Stogner has climbed the ranks during his 25-year tenure, holding various positions from detective to S.W.A.T. Commander, before becoming Assistant Chief of Police in 2021. Douglas Finch, Duncanville City Manager, praised Stogner's qualifications, saying, "We are fortunate to have a qualified person to fill the position of Interim Police Chief.” His statement highlights Stogner's "experience, professionalism, and integrity" as key to his interim leadership, as per the City of Duncanville.
Assistant City Manager Robert D. Brown, Jr. also voiced support, adding significant merit to Stogner's appointment. "The function of a police chief is a complex matter. Performing this function is no trivial task. It requires vision, judgment, and imagination, as well as disciplined analytical capabilities," Brown said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Stogner has the skill sets to lead the police department during this transition. I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this complex task", per the City of Duncanville.
For his part, Stogner expressed gratitude towards his predecessor, celebrating Chief LiVigni's three decades of service to the community. "I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the Interim Police Chief, and to work alongside the fine officers of the Duncanville Police Department,” Stogner told the city press. Showing his commitment to the role, he said, "I look forward to collaborating with everyone in the City of Champions to provide exceptional public safety services." Stogner's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Duncanville City Council, which is expected to be presented on February 6, 2024, as cited by the City of Duncanville.
LiVigni's official retirement takes effect a day after Stogner began his interim term, setting a new chapter in motion for Duncanville's law enforcement. As the city bids farewell to one chief and opens its arms to another, albeit temporarily, Stogner seems poised, by the confidence instilled in him by city officials, to helm the Duncanville Police Department into a future where the public's safety remains the guiding beacon.
