Lincoln City Council unanimously approves Michon Morrow as chief of LPD

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Michon Morrow is now the chief of the Lincoln Police Department.

The Lincoln City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve Morrow as the city’s next chief of police.

“As acting chief for the last eight months, Michon has affirmed what I long thought to be true: that she is a wise, compassionate, collaborative, resolute and strong leader who is skilled at building the relationships that are at the heart of community policing and a thriving police department,” Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said.

Morrow said she’s excited for the future.

“The weight of today is not lost on me,” she said.

Morrow, who has been a member of LPD since 1995, was appointed acting chief of police in July after Teresa Ewins abruptly resigned.

On Feb. 27, Gaylor Baird nominated Morrow for the permanent position.

She spoke about the journey it took her to get to this point after walking through the doors of the department at just 19 years old.

She’s now in her 29th year with LPD, following in her father’s footsteps.

“I’m just so humbled to be here in front of you and hear the kind words and support that we’ve had since the nomination was announced,” Morrow said.

Morrow said her four priorities are recruitment, retention, resiliency and respect.

This comes amid concern over vacant positions within the department, which is something she wants to solve.

“That next generation is who’s going to serve long past my tenure as chief here, and those that would come after and serve in this role,” she said.

Last week, another lawsuit was filed against the city.

A former officer is alleging that she was discriminated against based on her sex.

Morrow said that she doesn’t want that to be LPD’s reputation and that she wants every person serving in the agency to feel valued and supported.

She said the department will host town halls to provide employees a place to come forward and share thoughts and concerns.

“That is what I think will define the leadership while I’m serving as chief,” she said.

While she was speaking before the council, Morrow said she was a little nervous about her new role.

But Councilman Tom Beckius said the council is not, as she has proved her leadership skills through the years.

SEE ALSO: Acting Chief Michon Morrow shares her vision for Lincoln Police Department