Chief John Cullison

John A. Cullison was appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Celina on May 3, 2021. Chief Cullison began his career with the Irving Police Department in 1995 where he served in various command and supervisory capacities throughout the organization, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs, Communications, SWAT, and Personnel and Training.

He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College, and the FBI National Academy Class 277. 

In addition to his service to the community of Celina, Chief Cullison served in the United States Air Force, both on active duty and reserve status. After 9/11 he was deployed numerous times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Chief Cullison firmly supports a partnership with the community to provide public safety, an emphasis on preventing and dealing with disorder and crime through successful partnerships based on the four elements of Procedural Justice:  fairness, voice, transparency, and impartiality. Furthermore, Chief Cullison is an advocate for our youth with an emphasis on our officers serving as mentors, role models, and strengthening our partnership with Celina ISD by supporting numerous programs focused on preparing our Celina youth for future success. 

Chief Cullison is married to Alice who have two children, Lauren, who is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and is an account executive, and Preston, who is a graduate of Oklahoma State University,  and he is a Captain in the United States Army.