Susan Smith to become Yuma’s first female police chief

Deputy Police Chief Susan Smith was selected as the next chief for the Yuma Police Department during a city council meeting Wednesday.

Smith served as the city’s deputy police chief since 2012 and rose through the ranks with YPD since 1995.

“With her background, experience and leadership while bringing in a number of new technologies and the changing environment, I know she is the best choice to continue to keep the department and the City running at the high level that it does, and will build and grow upon that,” City Administrator Greg Wilkinson said.

Smith will also become Yuma’s first female chief after becoming the first female to earn the ranks of lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief.

City officials said they received about 50 applications of candidates nationwide that resulted in three finalists.

“All three candidates were very good, and any one of them was more than capable of being the next chief,” Wilkinson added. “I received a lot of input both internal and external to the City, some positive and some negative, which I appreciate and listened to everyone who provided it.”

Smith will replace John Lekan, who announced his retirement after a 33-year career with YPD. He has been YPD’s chief since 2012 and his last day is March 28.

ORIGINAL STORY

The City of Yuma announced who will be replacing Yuma Police chief John Lekan in the coming months.

Deputy Chief of Police Susan Smith will be taking on the role of chief in April.

Deputy Chief Smith will be the first female to lead YPD.