Coby Pewitt: Rooted in Service and Driven by Imagination
By Patti Otte
As a young boy, Coby Pewitt dreamed of becoming a Disney Imagineer. Armed with animation cells and a drafting table provided by his supportive parents, he spent hours sketching Mickey Mouse. “My parents took me on my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1984,” Pewitt recalls. “It truly felt like the most magical place on earth.”
However, by the fourth grade, a new calling emerged. Inspired by iconic television shows like CHIPS and Hill Street Blues, Pewitt became fascinated with law enforcement. Today, after a storied career with the Richardson Police Department (RPD), Pewitt has successfully blended a life of serious service with a “Disney-level” sense of fun.
A Product of Richardson ISD
Pewitt is a proud third-generation Richardsonian whose roots run deep through the Richardson Independent School District (RISD). From Greenwood Hills Elementary to J.J. Pearce High School, Pewitt’s formative years were spent in the heart of the community he would eventually protect.
His path to leadership began at age 16 when he joined Richardson Police Department Explorer Post #761. This immersive program provided the hands-on training and ride-alongs that confirmed his calling. While attending the University of North Texas (UNT) on a scholarship, he rose to Explorer Post Captain before officially joining the force in July 1996.
28 Years of Dedication at RPD
Pewitt’s career with the Richardson Police Department spanned nearly three decades. Rising through the ranks from patrol officer to Assistant Chief of Police, he oversaw crucial bureaus including Operations, Services, and Administration.
“It was about building trust, solving problems, and being there for people in their most challenging moments,” Pewitt says. Throughout his tenure, he worked under four different chiefs, learning the vital importance of ethics—doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Life After Retirement: Teaching and Consulting
Retiring on March 30, 2025, didn’t mean slowing down. Today, Pewitt shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at UT Tyler and Franklin University, teaching the next generation about leadership and public service ethics.
He also consults with BRW Architects on public safety projects, ensuring that new community buildings are designed with both functionality and safety in mind.
Leadership Richardson and Community Impact
A graduate of Leadership Richardson Class 32, Pewitt has long been a pillar of local civic involvement. He has served as both President and Vice President of the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association, championing the collaboration required to build a strong city.
One of his most enduring legacies is his work with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas at Richardson. As the advisory council president, he has been a driving force behind the Richardson Gobble Hobble, a community race that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Marathons with a Mission
Wellness is a cornerstone of Pewitt’s life. Since 2003, he has completed 45 marathons around the globe, raising approximately $75,000 for blood cancer research through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Currently, he is on a quest to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Having already conquered New York City and Chicago, he is set to run Berlin later this year, with Boston, London, and Tokyo on the horizon.
The Future: Giving Back to the Next Generation
Looking ahead, Pewitt remains focused on the Coach Gary Pewitt Memorial Scholarship, established in honor of his father. This scholarship continues the family’s legacy of investing in young people and emerging leaders.
Though retired from full-time police work, Pewitt still finds time for his first love: Disney. Whether it’s a Disney cruise or adding to his collection of Mickey Mouse artwork (often featuring Mickey as a police officer), Pewitt proves that imagination and service are the perfect pairing.
