PROSPER, TX - After nearly five decades in law enforcement, including 12 years leading the Prosper Police Department, Police Chief Doug Kowalski has announced his retirement, marking the end of a career defined by service, growth and community trust.
Kowalski will conclude almost 49 years in policing on February 13, 2026. He joined the Town of Prosper on January 6, 2014, as interim chief and was later appointed chief of police, guiding the department through a period of rapid population growth and significant organizational change.
“It has been an honor to serve a community that shows such unwavering support for its public safety personnel,” Kowalski said. “I am grateful to the residents, Town Council, Town leadership and especially the men and women of the Prosper Police Department for being such strong partners in public safety. The Police Department will carry on and make Prosper proud.”
When Kowalski arrived in Prosper, the department consisted of 14 officers and six dispatchers. Under his leadership, it grew into a full-service, accredited agency with nearly 100 public servants. During that time, he established the Criminal Investigations Division, implemented a competitive step pay plan to recruit and retain officers, and created a formal supervisory rank structure to strengthen leadership development.
A hallmark of Kowalski’s tenure was his emphasis on servant leadership and customer service, with every employee encouraged to serve as an ambassador for the department. Training initiatives were built around what he called the Five Cs of Leadership: character, competence, compassion, courage and commitment.
The Prosper Police Department earned Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices Accreditation three times during Kowalski’s leadership, reflecting a continued focus on professionalism and accountability. He also championed innovation, introducing tools such as automated license plate readers and the Drone as First Responder program to support crime prevention and investigations.
One of his most lasting contributions was overseeing the planning and construction of the Prosper Police Headquarters on Safety Way. The facility consolidated first responders and critical operations into a modern space designed to better serve both employees and residents. Kowalski also played a key role in securing voter approval for Special Purpose Districts for Police and Fire, helping ensure long-term funding for public safety as the town continues to grow.
Town Manager Mario Canizares praised Kowalski’s impact, saying his leadership helped shape the department’s culture and professionalism. Mayor David Bristol echoed that sentiment, calling Kowalski a steady and trusted leader during a time of tremendous growth in Prosper.
Kowalski began his law enforcement career in 1975 with the New York City Police Department before continuing his service in Texas with the Dallas Police Department, where he rose to the rank of deputy chief. He later served as police chief in McKinney before joining Prosper.
Reflecting on his career, Kowalski said he hopes the values he emphasized will continue to guide the department. “Do what is right, do the best you can and treat other people the way you would like to be treated,” he said.
The Town of Prosper has not yet announced interim leadership or transition plans, but officials said more information will be shared in the coming weeks.
