Peter Davis, the longtime chief of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol, was removed from his position this week by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees after several months on leave.
According to the park board, the decision to fire Davis was made following a “series of back-to-back” investigations regarding his leadership.
“It is never an easy decision to remove an employee,” the board’s interim CEO, Marty Miles, said in a Tuesday night news release. “Let me assure you, every factor was taken into account, but my number one priority at the end of the day is to have the right person overseeing the program that is responsible for the safety of every person who visits our beaches.”
In March, Davis was placed on administrative leave following allegations that he allowed members of the National Chilean Lifeguard Federation to stay overnight in the Stewart Beach Pavilion in 2024. The park board became aware of the allegation in March.
Davis, who began working for the beach patrol as a teenager in 1983, had served as chief for more than a decade.
Davis did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
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The park board said in its news release that Austin Kirwin, a 14-year veteran of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol, will continue to serve as the interim chief. It was not immediately clear when a new full-time chief would be appointed.
“The Park Board is committed to protecting the residents and visitors who swim in the Gulf and will ensure resources are continued to be placed into this vital program,” Miles said. “Galveston has one of the top beach patrol programs in the country and it is important to residents and visitors that it remains strong.”
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