BEATRICE – A southeast Nebraska community has its police chief now…and he’s a veteran law enforcement officer who will have logged 35 years of law enforcement service, this July.


Jay Murphy has been appointed Beatrice Police Chief, after having served as Director and Interim Chief for the department. Mayor Bob Morgan said Murphy was the only candidate applying and testing for the position, going through the civil service commission process.


"One of my philosophies has always been that there's a difference between management and leadership. Management is one of those things that you assign. Leadership is not. Leadership is earned. I will tell you that Chief has done a great job of earning respect and leadership with the people he supervises."


Murphy, who will make about $113,000 annually, will lead a department with over twenty sworn officers, a crime victims’ unit and communications center. The former Lieutenant had been appointed to direct the department following the resignation of Chief John Hickman in November, 2023.


"I just wanted to express my gratitude to the mayor, city administrator, the council, and the community for their confidence they have in me in doing this. Especially, my officers."


Murphy said he’s had a lot of support from the community that makes him proud to work for the city and lead the department.