Lincoln Promotes Officer To Assistant Police Chief

LINCOLN — Cpl. Brian Key with Lincoln Police Department will move into the assistant chief’s position later this month with the resignation of Assistant Police Chief David Lee.

Lincoln City Council voted to promote Key to assistant police chief following an executive session at its June 20 meeting. The promotion will be effective July 15.

Mayor Rob Hulse said it was his understanding Lee was resigning from the police department to pursue an opportunity outside law enforcement. Lee has been with Lincoln for 18 years.

“Officer Lee has been an exemplary officer and he’s done a great job for us and I hate to see him go,” Hulse said in reporting that Lee had submitted his resignation from the department. Lee’s last day will be July 14.

Key has been with Lincoln for 13½ years and prior to that worked in dispatch for Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School. Key and his wife have two children.

Russell Morphis, Lincoln police chief, said he recommended the promotion based on several areas.

“Cpl. Key has been a great officer during the time he’s been here,” Morphis said. “He’s worked many different cases and is certified as an instructor for several classes.”

He added, “His years of experience, his training and the cases he’s worked make him qualified for the position.”

Hulse said Key has shown leadership in his ability as an officer, the department’s training officer and school resource officer.

“He’s an asset for the department and we felt like this was an opportunity for him to move up in the ranks,” Hulse said.

Key said he was interested in law enforcement growing up. Many of his friends went into law enforcement when they turned 21 years old but Key said he waited a few years.

“I was 26 and I thought now is the time,” said Key, who is 40 years old.

He said he has stayed with Lincoln Police Department because he likes living in a small town and knowing people in the community.

He’s excited about the new position.

“I think I’m ready for it and I’m looking forward to it,” Key added.

COURTESY PHOTO Cpl. Brian Key with Lincoln Police Department has been promoted to assistant police chief, effective July 15.