Major John Simmons, 40, will begin work in Lansing on Aug. 1.

“I’ve been involved in law enforcement for the majority of my 22 years in the Army,” he said.

As provost marshal, he is chief law enforcement officer for the fort. He’s held that job for about a year, and had planned to retire in two to three years. But, he said, the Lansing job was too good an opportunity.

During his year on the job in Leavenworth, Simmons said he’s had the opportunity to work with law enforcement leaders in area cities and in the county. So he believes his transition into civilian life will be smooth.

“That’s one of the things I can offer the citizens of Lansing is absolute integrity,” he said. “When I tell them there’s a problem, they can tell it does exist.”

Simmons also describes himself as a straight-shooter, who has experience in leadership and in growing operations.

“I am big on customer service,” he said. “I typically don’t spend a lot of time in the office. The best way for me to do my job is to get out among the people and talk with them to ensure that we’re providing them with the services they need.”

The police chief’s job has been vacant since Mike Smith was named acting city administrator in December 1998. Police Capt. Alan Collins was named acting police chief in July 1999, at the time Smith was named city administrator. Collins did not apply for the chief’s position.

Smith said the applicant pool was narrowed several times, and Mayor Kenneth Bernard and council members interviewed three applicants in executive session.

Simmons was named chief at last Thursday’s Lansing City Council meeting.

“I’m am pleased that the selection process has successfully concluded with the hiring of John Simmons as Lansing police chief,” Smith said. “We had a field of exceptional candidates for the position, which made the final selection a very difficult decision.”