In their roles as Interim City Administrators, Mayor Kirk Crespin and Mayor Pro-Tem Manuel Tamez are pleased to announce the official appointment of Commander Kevin Ridder as the Interim Police Chief for the City of Lamar, which became effective May 25, 2025. 

Chief Al Fear submitted his official resignation May 7, with his last day of service being May 24, 2025. Under Chief Fear’s leadership, the Lamar Police Department has undergone significant reorganization and restructuring, positioning it for continued success. Chief Fear expressed confidence in the department’s future, stating, “Commanders Sherrill and Ridder will be able to take over the reins of the administration without any problems, and the transition will be seamless.” 

In a letter to city leadership, Chief Fear strongly recommended Commander Kevin Ridder for the role of Interim Police Chief. He wrote, “Commander Ridder has the education, experience, and ability to lead the department without question. His networking with other agencies and ability to create relationships with division heads has been a true asset to the City of Lamar. Commander Ridder would be supported by the officers of the department.” 

Crespin and Tamez expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “We believe that Commander Ridder’s knowledge and experience will be a benefit for our community. As a long-time resident of Lamar, we are thrilled to provide the opportunity for a local leader to fill this role.” 

Interim Chief Ridder returned to the Lamar Police Department after leaving a position with the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office as their Chief Investigator since 2014. He began his law enforcement career in 1996 in Lamar and has also worked for the Thornton and Littleton Police Departments. Ridder has held previous positions of detective, narcotics detective, sergeant, detective sergeant, SWAT sergeant, and district attorney investigator. 

The City of Lamar will begin the recruitment process for a permanent Police Chief in the coming months, carefully considering all options to ensure continued leadership excellence for the Lamar Police Department. 

For more information regarding the City of Lamar’s Police Department, see the city’s website at www.ci.lamar.co.us.