Chief Ditrich began his career with the La Porte Police Department in December of 1997. During his tenure, he has worked a variety of assignments including Patrol, Bike Patrol, Field Training, SWAT, Detectives, Street Crimes, and Support Services, and was instrumental in developing the department’s physical fitness program. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University and a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is a Master Peace Officer, a Certified Public Manager, and a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. He promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief in March 2020 and assumed command of the Patrol Bureau also overseeing Jail and SWAT operations. In March 2022 he took over as Assistant Chief over the Support Services Bureau until his promotion to Chief of Police in May 2023. He is committed to working with the community to make La Porte as safe as possible as well as the growth and development of himself and those he is entrusted to lead.