Officers Meier, Lira promoted
by Sara Sedlacek · October 07, 2009

Last month, West Liberty Police Chief P.J. Brewer announced he would be restructuring the West Liberty Police Department, changing the role of the sergeant and adding a captain’s position. Now, both of those positions have been filled.

Current officers Mike Meier and Dave Lira have been promoted to captain and sergeant. According to Brewer, Meier was a shoe-in for the captain’s position because of his prior experience.

“Mike was the chief in West Branch so he already had administrative experience,” Brewer said, adding that the captain’s position would be handling much of the department’s administrative duties. “He has been a police officer for 18 years and has had to deal with personnel issues. He’ll be a good leader.”

Lira will now serve as sergeant, a position formerly held by Bill Miller who stepped down shortly before the department was restructured. As sergeant, Lira will be in charge of the patrol division.

“Dave has eight years of law enforcement experience and he has been with the department here for four years,” said Brewer. “He was a supervisor in a juvenile detention center in Davenport so he has the necessary supervisory experience.”

Both officers have stepped into their new roles and Brewer said he is confident in their abilities.

“They’ll both do a great job,” he said. “They’re both well rounded and get involved and get out in the public. They’re going to do a great job.”