Joseph Salvaggio took helm of the City of Leon Valley Police Department in September of 2016. Chief Salvaggio has the privilege in leading a 35-member police department, managing four separate budgets with a combined total of over $5 million in monies. He has instilled a community policing mentality since his arrival, creating many community outreach programs, and working with many nonprofits to include Blue Santa, Texas Special Olympics, The 100 Club of San Antonio, and Child Safe. Prior to this position, he was employed with the City of San Antonio Police Department, retiring in October 2016, in the rank of Captain. His assignments included Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics, Narcotics, Property Crimes, Gang Unit, Tactical Response Unit, Problem Oriented Policing Unit, culminating as the Commander of the Airport Police Department. Chief Salvaggio is also a proud disabled veteran, serving over 29 years in the Army and Air Force, finishing his extinguished career as the Security Forces Career-Field Manager (IMA). During his tenure in the military, Chief Salvaggio was credited with organizing, training and equipping more than 100,000 military members over a 10-year period in support of OPERATIONS NOBLE EAGLE, IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. His team was awarded the prestigious Department of Defense Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in 2008 for their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to protect and serve those deploying to war. Chief Salvaggio retired from the Air Force in June 2014, in the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, a position he held for over 14-years.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Airmans Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Chief Salvaggio holds a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and is currently enrolled in the Master’s Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Institute, Texas National Academy Command College, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer School, Texas Chief Development Academy, and holds instructor certifications in a number of police related areas. Texas National Academy Command College, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer School, Texas Chief Development Academy, and holds instructor certifications in a number of police related areas.