Kyle officer found dead

“Our hearts are heavy.”

That’s how Kim Hilsenbeck, public information officer for the city of Kyle, described reaction to the news that one of the city’s police officers had died.

Fernando Solis, 28, was found dead inside a vehicle Saturday in the parking lot of a San Marcos apartment complex, apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. San Marcos Police said Monday morning that no suspects are being sought in connection with the death.

“Losing a co-worker and fellow law enforcement officer is akin to losing a family member, regardless of the circumstances,” Hilsenbeck said. “San Marcos Police are investigating the case and we leave that in their capable hands. We wanted to remember Solis in more personal, human terms.”

Born in 1990, Solis graduated from Hays High School in 2008 and worked for a time for H-E-B before enlisting in the military. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a motor vehicle operator from 2011 to 2015, when he was honorably discharged. He earned the Good Conduct Medal during his service, which ended with a deployment at Camp Pendleton in California.

Solis was hired by the Kyle Police Department in February 2017 and entered the police academy soon after. He had been an active officer since December of last year.

His co-workers remembered him as someone who always had a smile and a joke.

“Solis will be fondly remembered by KPD staff,” Chief Jeff Barnett said. “His tragic death leaves a hole in our family.”

SMPD Chief Chase Stapp also weighed in. ““Our deepest condolences go out to Officer Solis’ family and to the entire Kyle Police Department,” he said.

“We have many unanswered questions,” Barnett said. “But what we need right now is to come together as a family to help, to listen, to heal, and to keep moving forward to serve the residents of Kyle.”

Barnett said all city staff has access to the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team; the Victim Services Coordinator is one of the CISM co-founders.

The department also has a Chaplain Program where KPD staff can talk with a member of the clergy who operate the allvolunteer program. In addition, the city of Kyle has an Employee Assistance Program free to the entire staff.

“We know this is a difficult time for Solis’ family and his work family,” Barnett said. “All staff should take time to reflect on what happened and talk with a counselor or member of the clergy if they desire.”

Barnett said he has seen an outpouring of positivity from the local community and area law enforcement agencies.