If it took a village to aid the mentally impaired through the challenges of the civil and criminal court systems, Donna Eccleston was its mayor.
Comal Countyâs Precinct 1 commissioner was among many inside a packed courthouse who saw their efforts realized with the formal creation of the countyâs first Mental Health Court.
âIt was her patience â sometimes lacking but definitely her patience, her persistence and her passion to get this up and going, as well as everything beyond just this mental health court,â Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp said to Eccleston during Thursdayâs commissioners court meeting. âWe really appreciate everything you did to make today a reality.â
Last October, Keith Lane left Haltom City, where he had served 15 years as police chief, public safety director and city manager, to enter the unknown in New Braunfels.
Serving as New Braunfels interim police chief would give him the leg up on the competition seeking the permanent job â which turned out to be the right move.
Lane, 56, was among 62 applicants, eight semifinalists and four finalists hoping to become the cityâs next top cop. Months before he was selected and sworn into office, he already had begun putting his stamp on city police operations.
âItâs been crazy â Iâd like to describe it like drinking water through a fire hose,â Lane said about the last few months. âBut itâs been great. This is an exceptional police department full of exceptional individuals doing a great job. Theyâve been incredibly supportive.â