It was standing room only at the Thursday morning Sioux Falls Police Briefing. Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether was on hand to make an announcement:  Lieutenant Matt Burns has been named the new Assistant Chief of the Police Department.

Current Assistant Chief Patti Lyon will retire in March after a twenty eight career with the department.

Lieutenant Burns began his career with the Sioux Falls Police Department in July 1996, serving as a Patrol Officer, Fraud Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Property Crimes Detective Sergeant and currently as Crimes Against Persons Lieutenant. He has also been a member of the SWAT Team.

During his tenure, Burns served in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 1992 and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri.

During the announcement, Mayor Huether says the Sioux Falls Police Department is one of the best in the country.

"I have every confidence  in the women and men who protect our community each day, and the appointment of Lieutenant Burns as Assistant Chief strengthens the team even more."

The Assistant Chief position is appointed by the Mayor. A panel of five community leaders also interviewed all eleven internal applicants and selected two top candidates who were interviewed by the Mayor.

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