New chief takes the helm at Columbus police department

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- The city of Columbus has a new leader in law enforcement, with Fear stepping into the role of Police Chief after Charles Sherer's retirement in March 2025.

This marks Fear's return to the field after a brief retirement from Cedar Rapids in 2020. Driven by a desire to lead and reshape the public perception of law enforcement, Fear aims to foster a more positive image.

"My whole mission is to help improve the mental wellness of police officers across the country and to change the perception, and to be one of community service and customer service based," Fear stated.

Transparency and community engagement are key components of Fear's vision. He plans to bridge the gap between the community and police officers, ensuring officers have the resources they need. Recruitment and retention are also high on his list of priorities.

Fear's decision to come to Columbus was influenced by a desire to be closer to family in Iowa, as well as the city's size, location, and amenities. "Columbus had checked all the boxes for us regarding size of the department, size of the city, its location, and all the amenities that the city offers,” Fear said.

Joining the force alongside Chief Fear is Andres Velazquez, a newly appointed officer who is excited to begin his career. Velazquez hopes to build strong relationships with the residents of Columbus, fueled by his passion for helping others and ensuring community safety.

"I’m hoping to build a bond with the residents and community of the city of Columbus mainly because my passion for helping out people,” said Velazquez.

Chief Fear recognizes the importance of investing in both the community and the mental wellness of his officers. He aims to address the emotional toll that law enforcement can take.

"My job as a leader is to really help with the mental wellness portion of the job for the police officers to find the love of the job," Fear explained. By promoting mental health, Fear believes officers will be better equipped to provide excellent customer service and build strong community relationships.

Fear is a certified trainer in several organizational and law enforcement topics including explicit bias, peer support, suicide prevention, being an active bystander, defensive tactics, officer survival, and advanced leadership strategies. 

He has also won several honors and awards from the Department of Justice, and has media and community impact experience.

Fear has an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Organization Leadership, and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.