Lebanon Metropolis Police Captain Bret Fisher was formally named chief of the pressure in a press convention at Lebanon Metropolis Corridor on Friday, Jan. 27.
Fisher had been performing chief because the retirement of former chief Todd Breiner in October 2022. Fisher has been with the pressure for 25 years.
Learn Extra: Lebanon police chief Todd Breiner retires
In attendance have been members of the family, invited media, and a handful of elected and appointed officers, together with Lebanon Metropolis Council chair Joe Morales, vice council chair Richard Wertz, deputy hearth chief AJ Sweitzer, Magisterial District Decide Maria Dissinger, and former Magisterial District Decide Tom Capello.
“This previous 12 months introduced nice disappointment to our division with the police capturing incident that occurred final March 31,” mentioned Capello in ready remarks. “We misplaced an officer within the line of responsibility and two officers have been severely injured by gunfire.”
Learn Extra: Group celebrates Lt. William Lebo’s life and repair
“We thank our group for his or her continued help as we proceed to grieve and work by way of this horrific incident.”
Capello mentioned that with the 2 injured officers not again to work but and different workers turnover, the town’s women and men in blue have been terribly dedicated to the group by filling in shifts and doing what it takes to make sure that the general public is protected.
“Recovering from the capturing incident and nationwide staffing considerations are why the management of our police division is essential presently,” mentioned Capello. “It would take a particular staff to help our officers as they proceed to heal, and I imagine it can take a father determine to help this division – a chief who helps their officers in each facet, each personally and professionally, however who additionally holds the officers accountable.”
“Somebody who can have a frank dialog about what must be achieved, however who additionally praises, and is happy with, their service and their different accomplishments,” she mentioned.
Capello mentioned it is a time for a brand new starting.
“Our chief and captain must construct a deep and mutual respect with not solely the division workers, however the group as properly, by being seen and approachable,” she mentioned.
Fisher joined the pressure in 1998 as a patrolman. From 2002 to 2013, Fisher labored with the K9 unit, partnering with three totally different canines throughout that interval. Fisher and his K9 unit obtained the 2003 Police Officer of the Yr award from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42.
Fisher has additionally labored with the drug activity pressure and because the humane officer. Fisher was promoted to sergeant in 2016, lieutenant in 2019, and captain in 2021. In 2010, Fisher obtained the LPD Officer of the Yr award as voted by his friends.
Sims has been with the pressure for 17 years, starting as a patrol officer in 2006. Sims was promoted to sergeant in 2014 and to lieutenant in 2021. Sims had beforehand obtained an award of commendation from the mayor’s workplace in 2019 for his management and actions as a supervisor in apprehending a suspect who had fired at an officer.
“Each males are distinctive and have confirmed themselves as a very good staff over the past three months,” mentioned Capello.
Capello mentioned that she didn’t contemplate any exterior candidates.
Capello counseled Fisher and Sims for his or her management through the transitional interval following the retirement of Breiner.
Fisher made temporary remarks following Capello’s speech.
Along with thanking metropolis council and the mayor for his or her help through the interim interval, he mentioned probably the most worthwhile time on the division was the 15 years he spent on patrol and probably the most worthwhile award he’s obtained in his 20 years on the pressure was the one he obtained from his friends.
“Slightly than myself, I’ve at all times discovered much more enjoyment in wanting across the police division and seeing others which have succeeded,” mentioned Fisher.
Fisher additionally congratulated Captain Sims on the promotion, saying it was well-deserved and earned.
“I’ve the utmost confidence and belief in everybody within the Lebanon Metropolis Police Division,” mentioned Fisher. “I wish to thank all of the officers, all of the detectives, and all my help workers for his or her assist over the past three months.”
Following remarks by Capello and Fisher, Metropolis Clerk Cheryl Gibson administered the swearing-in for Fisher and Sims.
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