SOUTHMAYD, Tex. -- In early 2008, the city of Southmayd was in dire financial straits. Things were so bad, in fact, that the city even considered disbanding its police department.

However, today, for the first time in awhile, there is good news surrounding the Southmayd Police Dept.

Budget woes forced Southmayd's Police Dept. up against the ropes last year, but 15 months later, those problems appear to be squarely in the past.

It was a little more than a year ago that Southmayd residents were worried that they could be a town without a police force.

"It does kinda bother me knowing that it'll be a longer response time if some kind of emergency does happen," said one resident last year.

The city though, figured out a way to save the department. However, in September of last year, the Police Chief and a Sergeant stepped down.

Since then, the city has been operating with only to part time officers and no full time ones. Until now.

Henry Gudenau will now take over as the new Chief of Police in Southmayd.

"I just see a lot of potential here. I see the agency itself growing. I can see myself growing the agency, and doing community policing here. It's going to be good," said Chief Gudenau.

"Other than family, his full time job is going to be taking care of us: the citizens here, the businesses here. It's a lot of responsibility here to take on his shoulders, and we're glad he's agreed to do it," said Southmayd Mayor Daniel Pepe.

And residents say it's a relief knowing that full time law enforcement is back in town.

"He's got good credentials, from his background. He seems like he's friendly, and able to do the job. With some of the positions he's held, he has a lot of experience," said Ed Horstman, a Southmayd resident.

"A lot of them are happy to see the Chief of Police out here, to see a commander out here in law enforcement. All of them that I've met have welcomed me," said Chief Gudenau.

Chief Gudenau is already in town and on duty. He is putting that Houston Police Academy training and that Bachelor of Arts in Criminology degree to use on the streets of Southmayd.