CPD 1-5-21
Monday, January 4th, the Cheyenne Police Department’s (CPD) change of command ceremony honored outgoing Chief of Police Brian Kozak.
Kozak was recognized today for over 11 years of dedicated service to CPD and is the longest serving police chief in the history of the agency. Under his leadership, the department has been recognized as a model agency in various areas, including the school resource officer program, traffic safety, DUI enforcement and taskforce operations, computer forensics, human trafficking enforcement, police officer training, body worn camera policy, police officer wellness programs, social media engagement, community policing programs, and K-9 training.
During the ceremony, Captain Nathan Buseck was sworn-in as the acting Chief. Buseck has been with CPD for 21 years.
“It is with a heavy heart that Chief Kozak leaves us today…he is leaving this department in a much better condition than it was found. Thank you for everything you have done for us, this community, and the city,” said Buseck.
Kozak began his career in Mesa, Arizona, were he retired after 22 years of service. In Mesa, he had several high-profile assignments, which include jail commander, traffic and motor commander, homeland security commander and gang enforcement commander.
He also served previously as police chief for the ski resort community of Avon, Colorado, where his agency earned the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human Rights and Community Policing Award. Kozak has over 35 years of combined law enforcement experience.
“This is the proudest I have been of this police department,” said Kozak. “It is amazing what everyone here has done, and it’s not just because of me, it’s because of the leaders here in this room.”
Mayor Marian Orr also spoke during the ceremony, thanking Kozak for his years of service with the department. She shared that under Chief Kozak’s leadership, CPD was consistently recognized at statewide and regional levels for excellence in law enforcement.
“As we both turn a new chapter, I just want to thank you so much, Chief Kozak, for your professionalism, your leadership, and this department that you have built. It takes a leader to build culture, and you have built a fine culture,” said Orr.
CPD’s mission is “Protecting the Legend” of Cheyenne by working in cooperation with citizens to lead the charge in preventing crime and defending the rights of the community.
Under new leadership, CPD will continue to work diligently to maintain public order and safety, build community relationships, and incorporate new and innovative crime fighting strategies.
