Mason City council tonight to consider appointing McKelvey as interim police chief in November

MASON CITY — The City Council in Mason City is being asked tonight to approve an interim police chief for later this year who is in line to become the permanent chief in February.

Last week, current chief Jeff Brinkley announced his retirement from the position effective November 14th. On Friday, City Administrator Aaron Burnett announced that Captain Mike McKelvey would be appointed as the new chief.

Burnett says McKelvey was his immediate choice because of his measured, thoughtful, and dedicated approach to leadership in the organization. Burnett says he believes the Mason City Police Department is fortunate to have this opportunity to promote from within and have a chief that will know the challenges and opportunities that exist on day one. He says this familiarity will allow the transition to be seamless and to have a leader that is already connected within the community.

Pending approval by the City Council at its meeting tonight, McKelvey would become the acting police chief when Brinkley retires on November 14th, with the council at their February 10th meeting giving their confirmation to his permanent appointment.