Columbus council appoints Lynn Al Fear as police chief; chief to start June 2

The Columbus City Council on May 19 approved the appointment of Lynn Al Fear as Columbus police chief, waiving the standard two-week waiting period for that position.

Mayor James B. Bulkley submitted Fear’s name after the Veil Service Commission certified him at its April 28 meeting. Council members voted to appoint Fear; the vote passed on a motion and second recorded on the meeting minutes.

Fear, who spoke briefly to the council after the vote, said he and his wife have already been in town meeting residents and visiting local businesses. “June 2 cannot come quick enough for me,” Fear said, adding he is eager to meet more community members and to lead the department.

City staff reported Fear holds a master’s degree in business management and leadership, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and an associate degree in criminal justice, and that he is a graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. City remarks listed prior roles including chief of police of Lamar, Colorado, command positions in Sterling, Colorado, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and recognition from the Department of Justice.

Interim Chief Bridal Strecker and city administrators were thanked by Fear for facilitating a smooth transition; the council recorded thanks to the interim leadership as well.

The council also appointed Andres/Andreas Velasquez as a police officer later in the meeting; that appointment was budgeted and will be followed by training at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and the department’s field-training program.

Fear will assume the role in early June and has indicated priorities that include community engagement and modern policing strategies, as outlined in summaries provided to the council.