By Cynthia Silva
After more than 34 years in law enforcement, Plum Grove Police Chief Frank Longoria officially ended his career Friday, July 31, with an emotional final radio call.
At 5:50 p.m. at the Plum Grove Police Department, Chief Longoria made his final radio call. Standing beside him was Officer Eliseo Vallejo, the newest officer he trained before retiring.
Dispatch called for Longoria’s “Unit 700” three times before announcing it was Chief Frank Longoria’s final radio call. The message recognized the end of a career that spanned more than three decades of service to the people of Liberty County and Southeast Texas.
Longoria began his law enforcement career in December 1991 after graduating as class president of Houston Community College Police Academy Basic Peace Officer Class 91-D.
Over the years, he served with the Ames Police Department, Dayton Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Police Department, Kountze Police Department, Liberty County Constable Precinct 1, Liberty County Constable Precinct 6 and, most recently, the Plum Grove Police Department.
During his career, Longoria earned his Master Peace Officer Certification and served as a field training officer, instructor, SFST practitioner and Intoxilyzer operator. He was promoted to corporal and later sergeant at the Liberty Police Department before joining the Plum Grove Police Department as patrol sergeant in October 2021. In June 2024, he was appointed chief of police.
Throughout his career, Longoria became known for mentoring younger officers. Many of the deputies and officers serving Liberty County today were trained by him, including Plum Grove Officer Eliseo Vallejo, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Chance Maddox and Liberty County Constable Precinct 6 Sgt. Randall Walter, whom he trained during his time at the Liberty Police Department.
Longoria also worked alongside Aaron Venegas at the Liberty Police Department, where the two served as patrol partners. Longoria has often described Venegas as his favorite partner.
Venegas shared kind words about his longtime friend and fellow officer.
“Frank was more than a partner. He was a mentor, a leader, the voice of reason and, above all, a friend. If you had the privilege of working alongside Frank Longoria, your career and your life were better because of it,” Venegas said.
After dispatch cleared him for the final time and told him he could go “10-7,” Longoria gave one last radio transmission.
Fighting back tears, he thanked everyone he had served with over the past 34 years and said it had been an honor to work alongside some of the finest people in law enforcement. He also thanked dispatchers for always being officers’ lifeline and ended his final call by wishing everyone God’s blessings.
Messages of appreciation quickly followed from those who worked with him over the years.
Maddox said Longoria’s leadership and mentorship shaped generations of officers and that the lessons he taught will continue to protect the community for years to come. He said he was grateful for decades of friendship and guidance from a man who helped him throughout his career.
“Chief Frank Longoria set the gold standard for leadership, heart, and dedication in our community. The invaluable instincts of the Spidey Sense and lessons he passed down go far beyond anything in a training manual or academy. The impact he made on those he trained will continue to shape our officers and protect our community for generations to come. I’m grateful for the decades of friendship and mentorship I’ve received from him,” said Maddox.
Walter also thanked Longoria for his years of service to Liberty County and for the many lessons he shared with fellow officers during their time together.
“Frank, thank you for the years of service you gave to Liberty County and the many lessons you passed on. Always stay curious and keep your head on a swivel. Thank you,” said Walter.
A retirement celebration honoring Chief Frank Longoria will be held Sunday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m. at the Plum Grove Police Department, 7733 FM 1010 in Plum Grove. The public is invited to attend and help celebrate his career of service.
With Longoria’s retirement, Chief Brandon Frazier will take over as chief of the Plum Grove Police Department and continue leading the department.
To see the emotional final radio call, click here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1721584885850143
Can’t say much about Frank that hasn’t already been spoken. He always took the time to talk with me when I was younger. Adviced me on everything from being the worthless hardheaded clown I was to being a good man and staying out of trouble. About all there is left to say is Thank You, from the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️❤️.