Longtime sergeant to serve as Interim Police Chief

COLUMBUS, Neb. (Press Release) -- Columbus Police Sgt. Bret Strecker has accepted the position of Interim Chief of the Columbus Police Department, effective today, Feb. 6, 2025.

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley announced Strecker, who has been with CPD since March 1994, is a great fit to lead the department in the chief role as the City of Columbus looks for a permanent replacement.

“Sergeant Strecker contains the qualifications that we believe can lead the department through this transition period. It is important that our Police Department and the public is comfortable knowing that providing a safe environment for all is our top priority and will continue without any interruption,” Bulkley said. “He has the complete support of the City Administrator and myself. Sergeant Strecker will remain in this capacity until we have hired our new police chief.”

City Administrator Tara Vasicek said she is confident Strecker will do a good job and appreciates him stepping up to be considered for the temporary position.

“Sergeant Strecker has been a great leader within the department and in the community,” Vasicek said. “I am confident his proven integrity and leadership will effectively lead the department during this transitional period of time until a new chief is appointed.”

It comes after longtime Police Chief Charles Sherer on Jan. 30, 2025, announced his decision to retire after a 46-year career in law enforcement, 27 years of which were with CPD (seven as chief). Sherer will continue to assist the department until his official March 3 retirement date, but trusts the department is in good hands.

Bulkley made it clear he and City leadership are committed to finding the right person to take over the role.

“We have begun the process of searching for our new police chief. The position has been posted and will remain open until March 24th. Our objective is to do this right,” Bulkley said. “We appreciate your support as we move through this transition.”