Fort Morgan police letter backs interim chief’s bid, urges fair hiring process

A letter read to Fort Morgan City Council on Nov. 3 said 29 of the police department’s 34 members signed it, backing interim Chief Steve Brown’s application for the permanent job and calling for a fair, impartial selection process.

The signers also said they supported former Chief Lauren Sharp and would like to see him reinstated if possible. They urged the council not to select the next chief itself and said they would support an unbiased community panel. “Most importantly, we want the most qualified candidate selected through a fair and impartial process,” the letter said, as the sergeant read it during the council meeting.

The letter asked that no employee face retaliation or adverse treatment for signing it, attending the meeting or voicing concerns. It also questioned the costs associated with Sharp’s departure and hiring a new chief, and raised concerns that limited funding for employee raises could affect the department.

The council unanimously approved Brown’s interim appointment on Oct. 20, the Fort Morgan Times reported.