COLUMBUS, Neb. - The City of Columbus appears poised to turn to a law enforcement leader with experience in Colorado and Iowa to lead its police department.

Mayor Jim Bulkley announced Tuesday that he appointed Al Fear to the department's top position. Fear's appointment will be taken to the Columbus City Council for ratification at its next meeting on Monday.

"Al comes to us from Lamar, Colorado, and formerly Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Al has a long history in law enforcement and brings an enthusiastic personality with him," Bulkley said. "Some of his first objectives will be getting out and around town meeting all of you."

Fear replaces Charles Sherer, who retired in March after serving as chief since 2017.

Fear comes to Columbus from Lamar, Colo., where he had been chief for less than a year. According to his LinkedIn page, Fear was the police commander of operations in Sterling, Colo. for six months before going to Lamar. He has also worked in law enforcement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Coralville, Iowa.