Tim Carmody is remaining chief of the Fort Dodge Police Department and that is good news for the city.

Carmody, who came to Fort Dodge to take the chief’s job in September 2010, was one of three finalists for the police chief’s position in Bellevue, Neb., eight miles from Omaha. That position has now been filled by an internal candidate who had been interim chief of police for Bellevue since its former chief resigned June 1, 2012.

Carmody, who served 22 years with the Omaha Police Department, where he rose to the rank of captain, said his decision to apply for the Bellevue position was based solely on an opportunity to be closer to immediate family members who live in the Omaha area.

In announcing he will remain in Fort Dodge, Carmody said, “I am excited about staying here as long as the city and my boss will have me. My wife and I are committed even more to making Fort Dodge our home for the foreseeable future.”

Since taking the helm at Fort Dodge, Carmody has emphasized professional partnerships with other local law enforcement agencies and increased training opportunities for his own staff.

In 2011, he introduced the first Fort Dodge/Webster County Citizens Academy which allows everyday people to become acquainted with local law enforcement and emergency workers, to learn how they respond to crimes and accidents, and to encourage academy graduates to learn what they can do toward making their community a safer place to live.

His leadership continues to be crucial in making Fort Dodge a safe, welcoming community for those who live here and those considering it as a home.