Matthew Rodrigue, a veteran law enforcement officer who led Spring ISD's police department, is the new chief of police for Lamar Consolidated ISD.

The district held a pinning ceremony for Rodrigue on Aug. 31, Community Impact Newspaper reported. He replaces former chief Henry Garcia, who departed earlier this year.

Rodrigue brings more than 27 years of law enforcement, public service and community leadership experience, district officials said in an email to Community Impact. His background spans school safety, emergency preparedness and community trust-building.

Before joining Lamar CISD, Rodrigue served as chief of police and director of emergency management at Spring ISD beginning in November 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile. At Spring ISD, he led the department to become the first school district in Texas to achieve Region 4 Level 1 Active Shooter Preparedness Certification. He also raised sworn officer staffing levels from 63% to over 90%.

Rodrigue served as chief deputy of the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable's Office from August 2012 to January 2021, where he managed a $3.5 million operational budget. He began his law enforcement career as a police sergeant with Harris County in May 1999.

He has also taught executive-level police leadership courses at Penn State's Justice and Safety Institute.

District officials said Rodrigue is focused on building a safe learning environment, strengthening ties between law enforcement and families, and preparing the police department for a fast-growing district.

That growth is significant. Lamar CISD's student population is expected to exceed 50,000 in the 2026-2027 school year, according to district budget documents. The district's demographer projects growth of 1,600 to 1,900 students per year for at least the next decade, with much of that growth concentrated in Fulshear.

"We try to stay ahead of that growth by being able to build the school and have this school ready to open before our other schools get too overcrowded," Chief Learning Officer Christ Cottongame told Community Impact in an Aug. 17 article.

Garcia's departure followed his firing and reinstatement earlier this year. ABC13 reported that Garcia and a lieutenant were fired in April 2026 amid an investigation.

Both were later reinstated and then separated from the district through negotiated agreements, ABC13 reported Aug. 8.

The Lamar CISD Police Department serves roughly 50 campuses, including Fulshear High School. The district expects to add 1,600 to 1,900 students per year through at least 2031.