It’s only been 100 days since Christian Solis took the reins as Hennessey’s Police Chief back in December 2024 but you wouldn’t know it by the impact he’s already made.
Even before the badge said “Chief,” Solis was no stranger to service. Since 2024, he’s been Hennessey’s D.A.R.E. officer and the full-time School Resource Officer (SRO), putting him right where it matters most on campus, connecting with students, and building relationships.
The D.A.R.E. program has come a long way from cartoon lions and “Just Say No.” Today, it’s called Keepin’ it REAL a curriculum focused on real-world decision-making, peer pressure, and life skills. Solis doesn’t just show up to teach he shows up to listen, relate, and lead by example. The kids respect him because he keeps it honest and meets them where they are.
A Hennessey High grad himself, Solis started as a reserve officer in 2016, went full-time in 2016 and has been climbing ever since. Now, he’s not only the town’s Chief, he’s a certified K9 handler, a basic CLEET instructor (authorized to teach everything except firearms, defensive tactics, and driving). He also manages the department’s annual firearms requalification as the line safety officer, and by the end of this month, he’ll be officially certified as a Chief through the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police.
That’s not all. Chief Solis is also certified through ALERRT as a CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) instructor, equipping the public with knowledge that could one day save lives. He’s also CIT-certified (Crisis Intervention Team), trained to handle mental health-related calls with care, calm, and the right tools to de-escalate difficult situations.
And just when you think he might take a breather, he doesn’t.
Coming up this summer, Chief Solis is launching a brand-new community event for kids, teaming up with the police department, reserves, and the sheriff’s office. It’s going to be a day full of fun, games, and a chance for kids to interact with law enforcement in a positive, laid-back setting. More details are on the way, but the goal is clear: connect, uplift, and build trust.
In just 100 days, Chief Solis has shown that leadership isn’t about titles it’s about showing up, stepping in, and staying involved. Whether he’s in a classroom, on patrol, training future officers, or hosting community events, he’s setting a tone for what policing should look like in a small town. Hennessey’s lucky to have him and this is just the beginning.
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