Lorne Blumhagen can drop the word acting from his title, as he has been named Lacombe’s new police chief.
Blumhagen became acting chief of police in August 2016, after Steve Murray was placed on administrative leave. Murray retired in October of that year.
Blumhagen joined the Lacombe Police Service in 2014 first as Inspector, but has a lengthy career in policing. He started in 1985 as a summer constable with the Camrose RCMP. In 1992, he was hired full time with the Camrose Police Service and completed his recruit training with the Edmonton Police Service.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and then became the non-commissioned officer in charge of the major crime unit.
“I am honoured to receive the appointment as chief of police from the Lacombe Police Commission and the City of Lacombe,” said Blumhagen in a news release. “I look forward to providing leadership to the dedicated members and staff of the Lacombe Police Service to ensure we are providing quality policing services to the citizens of Lacombe and all community partners. As we move forward, we will be committed to enhancing our level of service through effective and efficient delivery models focused on increased public safety and addressing community needs.”
In his time with the Lacombe Police Service, he provided oversight and co-ordination of the transition from the old police station to its new facility and co-ordinated the return of local police dispatch to Lacombe.