Kearney Police Department Chief Bryan Waugh, front left, with Sheriff Neil Miller, front right and the Buffalo County Commissioners, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Outgoing Kearney Police Department Chief Bryan Waugh was recognized by the Buffalo County commissioners during their meeting on Tuesday, May 27 as he moves into his new role as the Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.
“Chief Waugh has served the Kearney community with distinction for the past six years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to public safety,” according to a release from the City of Kearney.
Commissioner Dan Lynch, and a former chief of the KPD, read the recognition which stated in part, “Waugh has faithfully served the City of Kearney with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to public safety during his tenure as Chief of Police.”
“Under Waugh’s leadership, the department has advanced in areas of training, technology, crime prevention and community-oriented policing strategies,” the resolution read.
“The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend the county’s heartfelt gratitude to (Waugh) for his years of outstanding service as Chief of Police and hereby proclaim our deepest appreciation for his leadership, his dedication and his positive impact on the City of Kearney and Buffalo County,” the proclamation concluded.
After the reading, Waugh shared a few thoughts and said that when he was first chosen as the KPD Chief, he made several trips to Kearney to get acquainted with the community. He said he also attended a Kearney city council meeting to learn more about the city government.
By chance, Waugh said that it happened to be Lynch’s final meeting as the KPD Chief. He said that Lynch’s words resonated with him and have stayed with him throughout his time in Kearney.
Those words were that being the police chief in Kearney is the best place to hold that position in the United States. Waugh said he plans to echo those words at his final city council meeting, also on Tuesday, May 27.
Serving as the KPD Chief, “will be the highlight of my career,” Waugh said.
Waugh closed by extending his thanks to Buffalo County Sheriff Neil Miller, saying he considers him a friend and a mentor.
