From Bay City Police Department
Bay City Police Department held a promotion ceremony for four of its members at Council Chambers Oct. 2.
James King Police Chaplain
James King, a native of Rockwall, earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, where he was also a member of the university’s wrestling team.
During his time in Ohio, James had the unique opportunity to work with the Columbus Police Department SWAT team, assisting in hand-to-hand combat training.
After college, he returned to Texas and dedicated 12 years to full-time work with the outreach organization Young Life.
James now serves as the lead pastor at Ignite Church here in Bay City.
He is married to Anna, a dedicated nurse at our local hospital, and together they are proud parents of four wonderful children - Lillian, Abigail, Eleanor, and Jak - all students in Bay City ISD.
The King family has called Bay City home for 15 years, with deep roots in the community, as Anna was born and raised here.
James’s love for Bay City and commitment to raising his family in this community is evident in everything he does, and he looks forward to continuing to invest in the place he and his family proudly call home.
Bay City PD welcomes Pastor King as a Police Chaplain for the department
Richard Morales
Richard L. Morales was born and raised in Bay City, and is a proud graduate of Bay City High School.
Following high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a military police officer.
After completing his tour of duty, Richard attended the Wharton
County Junior College Police Academy and subsequently began
his law enforcement career with the Sweeny Police Department,
where he served for approximately ten years.
Richard later returned to Bay City, joining the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office.
Over a span of 14 years, he worked his way up to lieutenant of the Narcotics Division before retiring.
In 2009, Richard joined the Bay City Police Department (BCPD), where he dedicated another decade of service.
After a few years working for the Bay City Independent School District (BCISD) Police Department, Richard returned to BCPD and is now serving as a detective.
Richard is married to Kristine Morales, and together they have
five children, several grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Beyond his law enforcement duties, Richard is an active member of his community.
He serves as an executive director of the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Association, a board director for the Matagorda County Credit Union, and a director for the Shop with a Cop program.
Robert Pierce
Robert Pierce was born and raised in Midland, where he
graduated from Midland Senior High School in June 1987.
He pursued criminal justice courses at both Midland College and Tarrant County College while working various jobs, including roles at the Midland YMCA, in oilfield services, as security at the STP Nuclear Operating Company, and in downtown Fort Worth.
Robert’s law enforcement journey began when he attended the
Tarrant County College Police Academy, graduating on
Nov. 9, 2005.
He started his career March 6, 2006, with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer and deputy.
Shortly after, he joined the Bay City Independent School District
as a patrol officer from August 2006 until December 2008.
He then returned to the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol ceputy from January 2009 to October 2013, where he served as a patrol sergeant.
On Nov. 4, 2013, Robert joined the Bay City Police Department.
Over the years, he has taken on various roles, including patrol officer, patrol corporal, member of the Special Response Team, detective, and detective corporal.
With extensive training in investigations, Robert has handled a wide range of cases, from theft, burglary, and criminal mischief to crimes against children, sexual assaults, robberies, and homicides.
Robert has collaborated with numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers, Homeland Security, ATF, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and others.
He also maintains strong working relationships with the Crisis Center and CPS.
Robert has been married to his wife, Sheri Pierce, since 2020 and is a proud father of six children and grandfather to two.
He looks forward to continuing his career with the Bay City Police Department and growing as a leader within the department.
Stephen Lunsford
Stephen Lunsford was born and raised in Houston, where he graduated from Stratford High School.
During his time in high school, Stephen earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.
After high school, he attended Houston Community College for one year before transferring to Sam Houston State University.
In December 1998, Stephen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration.
In the spring of 1999, Stephen completed his law enforcement training at the Gus George Police Academy, and Oct. 11, 1999, he began his career with the Bay City Police Department.
Around 2008, Stephen was promoted to sergeant, a role in which he served for nine years.
During that time, he spent nearly three years as the Support Services Sergeant.
Stephen was the second person, and the first non-chief, to graduate from the Leadership Command College, Class #72.
He also became the first person to receive the prestigious FBI-
LEEDA Trilogy Award.
Around 2018, Stephen stepped down from his supervisory role and transitioned into the position of detective, where he has served for nearly six years.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time with friends and
family, including his three daughters and six grandchildren.
He loves to travel, fish, and visit breweries.
In the last two years, he has taken up disc golf and cornhole, often participating in tournaments that support charities and fundraisers.