City of Lincoln acknowledges retiring Police Chief Paul Adams, swears in the new Chief Matt Vlahovich and Ward 2 Alderman Tony Zurkammer

 

[November 03, 2021] 

At the Monday, November 1st meeting of the Lincoln City Council, retiring Lincoln Police Chief Paul Adams was officially recognized for his 24 years of service to the city. Adams official last day of service was Sunday, October 31, 2021.

Mayor Tracy Welch did a presentation of the plaque the city has gifted to Adams in recognition of his service. Before reading the plaque aloud, he spoke about Adams saying that as a new mayor, Adams had been a great supporter and Welch felt he could not have made the transition as easily had it not been for Adams. He mentioned that Adams has managed a good department with the Lincoln police and has also been a huge asset as the city worked to improve its information technology across all departments.

Welch then read the plaque.

“With our greatest appreciation, we hereby present Paul T. Adams with this award for your unwavering support and guidance which helped in leading the Lincoln Police Department and the city of Lincoln to success.
 

“You are being honored with much appreciation and gratitude for 24 years of service from August 31, 1997 to October 31, 2021; as Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, Detective for 10 years; and Deputy Chief and Chief of Police for six years, from 2015 to 2021.

“You were instrumental in securing, remolding and moving the department into the new police station, providing Information Technology and Networking service for all city of Lincoln departments, forming the Lincoln Police Emergency Response Team, designing a new city logo and police department patch in 2020, establishing the Lexipol Policy service, securing several grants for the Lincoln Police Department, and implementing new community programs, in turn, obtaining a higher quality of life for the citizens of the city of Lincoln.

“Presented by Mayor Tracy Welch and city council members.”

Afterward, Adams was asked if he would like to say anything. Adams said first of all, he could not have done all that he has done without Deputy Chief Matt Vlahovich who helped him at every turn. He said that Vlahovich had the ability to “keep me slow,” he laughed and added, “sometimes I want to go too fast.”

Adams expressed appreciation for the support of his wife Carrie and also all the members of his department saying they were a good group.

He ended saying, “It has been a wonderful experience. It is a pleasure to do what I have done for the city and I couldn’t thank you more for giving me the opportunity to do that. Thank you.”

When Adams was finished, he made his way around the room shaking hands with all the aldermen.

Deputy Chief Matt Vlahovich was then called to the front of the room. City Attorney John Hoblit replaced Welch and did the duty of swearing Vlahovich into his new position with the city as chief of police.

In addition to retiring a chief and appointing a chief, the city also accepted a new alderman on Monday night.

Ward 2 Alderman Ron Fleshman had announced his resignation the same night in early October as Chief Adams announced his retirement. Fleshman noted that he and wife Cindy would be moving out of Ward 2, therefore it was necessary for him to tender his resignation.

Welch said that he would skip to the last item on the agenda for Monday night, the advice and consent to appoint Tony Zurkammer as the new Ward 2 alderman effective immediately.

Welch’s choice was approved unanimously by the council, and Zurkammer was sworn in.

Zurkammer then took his seat with the council. He said that because he was new to the office, and had not participated in any of the committee of the whole discussions for the Monday night action items, he would abstain from all votes.

[Nila Smith]