March 17, 2025 – Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel will retire this May after serving for 28 years with the Decatur Police Department.
Chief Brandel joined DPD in April 1997 and worked in several different units and all three divisions of the department throughout his tenure. He was assigned to Detective in 2000, then rose the ranks to Sergeant in 2005, Lieutenant in 2015, and Deputy Chief of Police in 2016. He was appointed Chief of Police in July 2021.
“Shane has been an outstanding Police Chief in what has been a challenging time to be in law enforcement,” said Decatur City Manager Tim Gleason. “Our community has been made safer under his leadership and he is leaving the department in a better place. I wish him the best in retirement.”
Chief Brandel is most proud of these accomplishments:
· Enhanced service to the community by modernizing the department through the strategic implementation of advanced technology, including upgraded equipment and software.
· Restructured the department to align with contemporary policing practices, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.
· Strengthened officer training programs to ensure continued professional development and readiness for evolving public safety challenges.
· Improved internal and external communications to foster greater transparency, collaboration, and engagement.
· Developed and implemented deployment strategies that maximize officer efficiency and effectiveness in serving the community.
Brandel will retire effective May 9, 2025. A new Police Chief will be appointed by the City Manager in the near future.
