Chris Kelley

Husband. Father. Brother. Son. Friend. Airman. Officer.

Chris was a Texas native, and graduated from Elgin High School. At the age of 18, Chris enlisted into active duty in the United States Air Force where he served for eight years.  While stationed in South Dakota, he met his wife Michele, also an active duty member of the Air Force. Chris and Michele returned to Texas in 2004, where Chris began serving his central Texas community in a variety of roles, including: a Telecommunications Officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Correctional Officer with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections, and a Commissioned Police Officer with the University of Texas at Austin Police Department. Chris made his final move to the Hutto Police Department in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the community. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and recognized with the Supervisor of the Year award in 2013.

While working at Hutto PD, Chris decided to go back into the Air Force in the reserve unit in 2008.  In 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan.  Chris ultimately was promoted to Technical Sergeant.

 While working full-time, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and began work towards his Master’s degree. 

Chris was known for his sense of humor, his theatrical storytelling abilities, his love/hate relationship for fitness, his ability to know too much about movies, and his mischievous endeavors wherever he went.  Chris loved cooking from scratch, especially for family, and having fun with his children, Makenzie & Nate.  He would be the tickle monster as they would scream through the house.  Chris loved golfing with his friends and taking his wife out on dates. Professionally Chris was also known as a leader, officers knew Chris had their backs. Chris was a fitness instructor, crossfit instructor and he led many trainings to help improve officer skills to help them on the job.

On June 24, 2015 the unthinkable happened when Chris was taken from us in the line of duty. Michele, Makenzie, and Nate find ways to honor and remember him daily. Makenzie was 7 years old and Nate was 4 years old when their Dad was killed. The Chris Kelley Foundation is one way they help keep his name alive and for them to pay it forward by helping our first responders and military in need.