After 26 years with the Dallas Police Department, Officer David Brown was promoted to police chief two months ago after a nationwide search.
"He's the best candidate that we had to bring to the table," said Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, head of public safety committee. "We're lucky to have him."
On Sunday, his son, 27-year-old David Brown Jr., allegedly gunned down 23 year old Jeremy McMillian and responding officer Craig Shaw before being killed by back-up officers.
"As you can imagine, it's a very difficult time, and what we need to do is just remember that it really is a tragedy and as I said, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families," said Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.
Some members of the rank-and-file have privately said they sympathize with Brown, but question his ability to lead the department from this point forward.
Caraway said despite the bizarre circumstances, the chief continues to be the right man for the job.
"These are unfortunate circumstances, but his ability to lead once he gets beyond the loss of his family member and this tragedy, then he'll come back and be the leader that we selected.
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