LINCOLN, Neb.-- Lincoln's chief of police Teresa Ewins has resigned from the Lincoln police department.

In a press release, the city of Lincoln says mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird accepted a notice of resignation from Police Chief Teresa Ewins effective immediately. Assistant Chief Michon Morrow has been appointed as acting chief to fill the vacancy. In the release, Mayor Baird thanked Ewins for her service.

"During her tenure, Chief Ewins and I worked to deliver the high level of public safety that we have here in Lincoln,” Baird said. “I thank her for her service to our community. Together we added officers, dispatchers, and support personnel positions to LPD’s staff and negotiated a labor contract that made LPD officers the highest-paid law enforcement in the state. We also opened a new Northeast Team Station, secured additional equipment, and increased training for officers responding to mental health-related calls for service.”

Ewins started her position in August of 2021, becoming Lincoln's first female and first openly LGBTQ+ Police Chief. Ewin's statement was included in the press release.

"It has been my great honor to serve as the Chief of Police for the Lincoln Police Department. Over the past two years, we have made great strides, even amid challenging times for our nation and our community. And it is you – my colleagues, my officers … my friends – who have done the heavy lifting. I will be stepping down as Chief of this department and moving on. This was not an easy decision, but I have determined it is the best one. 

After nearly 29 years in law enforcement, I can say that as a police organization, the Lincoln Police Department is one of the best. Your hard work and dedication to this community are evident, and felt every day. I will always value each and every one of you. And I know that you determine the course of this department. Do your best and do what is right – no matter what you confront. I believe in you.   

In addition to the law enforcement professionals with whom I have served, I very much want to thank the community – the people of Lincoln – for their support of this department and for my tenure as Chief. It has been a pleasure to serve and be a part of this community. Thank you."

The reason for Ewin's departure was not given in the press release.