Community Development Director Retires
He blazed a trail as the City’s first-ever Director of Community Development, and now Derhyl Hebert is forging a new path for himself.
Hebert is retiring after more than 17 years of dedicated service to Webster, a city that he has watched grow before his very eyes.
“That’s the coolest part about this job. You see the grass when it’s first there, and all of the sudden you see this finished product,” Hebert says.
The task of building a community from the ground up is something that Hebert has always been passionate about. After earning his degree in urban planning from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1982, he began working in his home state before ultimately settling here in Texas.
Since joining the City in 2008,
Hebert has assisted in everything from bringing big-name businesses to Webster to developing residential communities like Edgewater. Now he’s excited to see the expansion of the Flyway Entertainment District, something he has also seen blossom from humble beginnings.
“Where Flyway is [currently], was nothing but woods, deer, wildlife. I went there when it was just natural, and to see what it’s done now is just, it’s amazing.”
With the addition of Great Wolf Lodge and a new amphitheater in the works, Hebert says the future of Webster as a tourist destination is bright.
“Great Wolf Lodge, we knew would be a super-anchor. People will come. You build it, and they will come.”
Among his colleagues in City Hall, Hebert has become known as both a lover of coffee and an engaging storyteller, especially after indulging in a cup (or two) in the breakroom.
“I like to say, the stories I have are really just life experiences, good, bad, or otherwise,” he says with a laugh.
“I have known and worked with Derhyl for almost 20 years,” says Chief Building Official James Stewart. “He has been the best boss that anyone could ask for, always very fair and supportive. Both at work and outside of the office, he is a true friend. His leadership and his stories will be missed.”
In his next chapter, Hebert is moving
to a new home in Georgia with his wife Paula, a retired school teacher. The two plan to spend more time traveling and visiting family — including their seven grandchildren — and making time for Deryhl’s favorite hobbies: hunting, fishing, cooking, and golf.
While he’s looking forward to the next phase, Hebert says he will miss the connections he’s built during his time here in Webster.
“You not only have co-workers, you have friends. Webster, I tell my wife, this is the best City I’ve ever worked for, and I’ve always championed it. It’s great because of the workers, the Mayor, Council, the staff, everybody,” he says.
Pictured: Derhyl Hebert poses with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter at his retirement party.
Webster PD Takes The
Temperatures in the 30s couldn’t stop the Webster Police Department from supporting a cause that’s near and dear to their hearts! Officers recently gathered at Great Wolf Lodge for their first-ever Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Texas, helping raise more than $10,000 for the organization alongside other community groups.
Webster PD participates in fundraisers throughout the year for Special Olympics Texas, which provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Heather Dansdill, the Executive Director of Special Olympics Texas’ East Region, says the organization is grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Webster Police Department and the community.
“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fun event — when people are willing to jump into freezing water for a cause, it shows just how much heart they have for our Special Olympics Texas athletes. We truly appreciate the support from everyone who helped make this event such a success,” Dansdill says. Money raised: $10.7K Participating Officers: 9
The Polar Plunge in Webster is one of 19 statewide Polar Plunge fundraisers benefitting Special Olympics Texas. Check out these cool stats from the event here in our own backyard: Most Money Raised By a
Webster PD proved they were brrr-ave enough for the chilly temperatures!
CITY OF WEBSTER SERVICE AWARDS
Each year, the City of Webster recognizes employees who have reached significant milestones in their service within our community. In 2026, the City is proud to honor 24 employees who have contributed a combined total of 270 years here in Webster.
These Service Award recipients exemplify the values that make the City of Webster a great place to live, work, and play, and their commitment has a direct impact on the City’s success. We congratulate each honoree for their accomplishments, and thank them for their years of hard work and dedication to serving the citizens of Webster.
Dr. Betsy Giusto
Economic Development
During her tenure in Webster, Economic Development Director
Betsy Giusto has helped foster a business-friendly mentality. Some of her favorite projects include Shops at Baybrook, recruiting big-name businesses like Costco, IKEA, Great Wolf Lodge, Floor & Decor, and Academy, and making Flyway a destination for dining, entertainment, and hospitality.
“We still have a lot to accomplish for our City, and we have the drive, ingenuity, and tenacity to make great economic development happen in Webster,” Giusto says.
Pam Guillory, the Administrative Coordinator for the City’s Public Works division, calls Webster her “home away from home,” and has watched the City’s operations grow and evolve since beginning her career in 2000.
“I knew from the very first day that I would love it here and would make the City of Webster my career. It has been a pleasure serving the public, and I continue to look forward to the everyday challenges of Public Works,” Guillory says.
Pamela Guillory Public Works
5-Year Recipients
David Byerly - Fire Department
Ramon Cantu - Police Department
Harley Everts - Police Department
Barbara Houston - Police Department
Zachariah Koenig - Police Department
Dena Mahan - Emergency Management
Daisy Mata - Records Management
Anthony Pearson - Fire Department
David Torres - Police Department
Ricardo Vargas - Fire Department
Shirley Whitcomb - Finance Department
10-Year Recipients
Brandon Cis - Police Department
Nick DeNease - Fire Department
Lorenzo Esquivel - Public Works
David Martinez - Public Works
Jasmin Reyes - Public Works
Nathan Varner - Police Department
Kathryn Vela - Economic Development
20-Year Recipients
Jamie Sherrill - Police Department
25-Year Recipients
Dr. Betsy Giusto - Economic Development
Pamela Guillory - Public Works
James Latham - Police Department
James Lovel - Police Department
Michael Palermo - Police Department
This year, three of Webster PD’s own have reached the 25-year service milestone.
Detective James Latham has not only served the City of Webster, but has also dedicated his time to uplifting others, helping organize and lead fundraisers for Special Olympics Texas throughout the years.
While reflecting on his career, Officer James “Rusty” Lovel simply said, “Webster is family.”
Detective Michael Palermo (not pictured) is also among those being honored for 25 years of service.
WEBSTER EMS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Webster EMS is being nationally recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to providing research-based, high-quality heart attack and stroke care with a Mission: Lifeline Bronze achievement award.
Mission: Lifeline EMS is the American Heart Association’s national initiative focused on improving systems of care for high-risk, time-sensitive conditions such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program works to reduce delays in treatment — from the moment 911 is called, through EMS transport, and
continuing with hospital care and discharge.
Because Webster EMS has been in operation for less than a year, the Bronze award was the highest level that could be achieved this year. However, EMS Chief Brad Starkey says the framework is in place to achieve Silver or Gold in the future, and he plans to focus even more on outreach and community education in the coming years.
Check out just a few of the statistics that helped Webster EMS earn this distinction:
Pre-arrival notification for positive stroke screen: 100%
Aspirin administration for suspected heart attack: 100%
EMS first medical contact to CT within 60 min. of patients with stroke: 100%
James “Rusty” Lovel Police Department
James Latham Police Department
PREPARING FOR FLOODS THIS SPRING
Spring rains can mean spring floods, potentially leading to costly damage for your home or property. The City of Webster wants you to be prepared before the next big storm heads our way.
• Buy flood insurance. There is a 30-day waiting period before a new policy takes effect. Call your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered before it’s too late.
• Contact the City’s Floodplain Administrator at 281-316-4131 to see if a permit is needed before you make any repairs or improvements to your home.
• Citizens can also contact the Floodplain Administrator to obtain site-specific information such as Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) flood zone and floodway locations, flood problems not shown on the FIRM, and historical flooding in the area.
• Consider some property protection measures such as making sure your downspouts drain away from your foundation. City staff can provide advice on how to correct drainage issues and other methods of flood protection, and can make oneon-one site visits to your property. Call 281-316-4131 for more information.
• Keep debris and trash out of streams and ditches so water doesn’t back up and increase the flooding risk to nearby buildings.
• Don’t dump in the drains as they lead to Galveston Bay. City ordinance Chapter 86 prohibits dumping or discharging of any pollutant into the storm drainage system. Report illegal dumping to the Public Works Department by calling 281-316-3700.
• Make an emergency supply kit
Looking to do some spring cleaning?
Webster will host the Citywide Clean-Up from Monday, March 23rd through Friday, March 27th. The City will offer free residential curbside pickup of trash, furniture, appliances, tree limbs, and more.
Discarded items can also be dropped off at the Webster Public Works Service Center, located at 855 Magnolia Ave. Proof of Webster residency is required.
for your home and register for emergency notifications through Swift911. Follow the City of Webster on social media platforms and sign up for emergency notifications so you can plan for severe weather such as flooding.
• Visit the City’s GIS and click on the links under Flood Information to find out the flood risk for your property.
Scan the QR code to view City of Webster flood maps and learn more about your risk:
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
• City Council unanimously authorized a change order in the amount of $59,1193 with Teamwork Construction Services, Inc. for the construction of Waterline and Slope Remediation to serve Marina View Drive Extension.
• City Council unanimously authorized a purchase order for $109,553.85 to Aqua Metric Sales Company for the purchase of water meters and radios.
• City Council unanimously authorized a purchase order to Siddons Martin Emergency Group to upfit eight Chevrolet pursuit related vehicles for a total of $234,573.48.
• City Council conducted the first of two readings of a resolution of the Webster Economic Development Corporation authorizing the issuance of WEDC sales tax revenue bonds.
MARCH APRIL
WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL
