The City of Amarillo has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, who has served as chief since May 2020. Chief Birkenfeld will retire effective February 21, 2025, concluding nearly 35 years with the Amarillo Police Department.
The decision follows intense public backlash over a character reference letter Birkenfeld wrote in support of Cole Underwood, a former Perryton ISD football coach convicted of enticement and attempted enticement of a minor. Underwood pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 15-year-old student, with federal prosecutors presenting extensive evidence of grooming and repeated assaults.
The Letter That Sparked Outrage
The controversy erupted after it was revealed that Birkenfeld had written to U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, asking him to consider Underwood’s positive contributions to the community—particularly his leadership in Perryton’s 2022 tornado recovery efforts—when determining his sentence.
"I was shocked to learn of [Underwood’s] offense and saddened when I learned that [Underwood] was guilty," Birkenfeld wrote, adding that federal sentencing guidelines were not mandatory and that the court should weigh "the totality of the circumstances."
Once the letter became public, it drew swift condemnation from victim advocacy groups, local officials, and residents, who argued that a sitting police chief advocating leniency for a convicted child predator undermined public trust in law enforcement.
Public Outcry and City Response
As community frustration grew, the Amarillo Police Department issued a statement clarifying that Birkenfeld wrote the letter in a personal capacity and that his views did not represent the department. However, critics found this explanation insufficient, pointing out that a police chief’s words carry significant influence, regardless of intent.
In response to the growing backlash, Amarillo city officials held discussions behind closed doors, ultimately announcing Birkenfeld’s retirement.
"In light of recent events, Chief Birkenfeld recognizes that actions taken in a private capacity can influence confidence in law enforcement," the city said in a statement. "Maintaining that trust is something both the City and Chief Birkenfeld take seriously, and therefore have made this decision to provide finality, avoid potential civil service proceedings, and move the department and community forward as quickly as possible."
Mayor and City Council Speak Out
Following a closed City Council meeting, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley expressed confidence in how the situation was handled.
"Council is in full support of our city manager and how he has handled this issue," Stanley said. "Both parties are finalizing the separation and will issue a joint press release soon. We expect this to be fully resolved quickly. And the community is ready to move forward."
Despite this effort to move past the controversy, advocacy groups continue to raise concerns about accountability, arguing that high-ranking law enforcement officials must be held to the highest ethical standards.
Victim Advocacy Groups Condemn Birkenfeld’s Actions
Victim advocacy organizations have strongly criticized Birkenfeld’s decision to vouch for Underwood, saying law enforcement leaders should always stand unequivocally with survivors.
"This isn’t about whether Underwood was a good person in other parts of his life. It’s about the fact that a sitting police chief used his influence to ask for leniency for a predator who abused a child," one advocate stated.
In court, the victim shared the devastating impact of Underwood’s abuse, describing how he manipulated her into isolation.
"I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me," she said. "I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him."
She also encouraged other survivors to speak up.
"I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story and know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help."
What’s Next for Amarillo Police?
With Birkenfeld stepping down, Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson has been named acting Police Chief while the city searches for a permanent replacement. Officials are expected to begin the selection process in the coming weeks.
Birkenfeld’s departure marks the end of a long career with the Amarillo Police Department, where he held various leadership roles since joining in 1990. While he made notable contributions to public safety, his tenure as chief will be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his support for Underwood.
As the city moves forward, Amarillo leaders face the challenge of restoring public confidence in law enforcement and ensuring that future leadership upholds the highest ethical standards.
For now, residents remain watchful, hoping that this transition will lead to a stronger and more accountable police department.
