It’s official.
    The city of Fort Lupton announced the hiring of former Weld County Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Kenneth Poncelow as chief of police, effective Monday.  The selection follows six months without a permanent replacement for former FLPD Chief Ron Grannis, dismissed without cited cause from the position.
    The city subsequently backfilled Grannis’ slot with the hiring of interim FLPD Chief Leo Carillo in July while sorting budgetary details. In December, city officials began a nationwide search for Grannis’ replacement, netting some 40 candidates for the position.  Focusing on Colorado candidates by city council recommendation, the list narrowed to seven candidates for the formal interview process conducted by a panel of two city councilors, two citizen representatives and Carillo. The panel selected two finalists and an alternate for background checks. Of those, City Administrator Claud Hanes proposed Poncelow for appointment, a measure approved by council Feb. 14 during regular session.
    Poncelow’s appointment is based on a recurring two-year contract, renewable upon consent of both parties. Annual salary for his position is listed at $82,624.67, with full benefits as per city policy.
    According to a city release, Poncelow holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science with emphasis in public administration and a masters of science in communication with emphasis in organizational communication, both from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan. He has 25 years of public safety experience, including 11 years as a commander with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.
    In addition, the release stated, “Mr. Poncelow has successfully written and been awarded over $2 million in grant requests and has been instrumental in creating innovative programs that not only benefit Weld County but the entire surrounding municipalities.  He holds numerous certificates including Certified Law Enforcement Planner, Police Executive Development Program, Managing Police Traffic Services, Fire Arson Investigation, and the McGruff Certificate of Appreciation for helping to reduce crime and improve our communities across the nation; to name a few.  Mr. Poncelow also attended the Southern Police Institute 12-week administrative officers course and was awarded the honor of Dean’s Scholar. Mr. Poncelow is retiring from Weld County and will take over the duties of Chief of Police for Fort Lupton on Feb. 14. We would like to thank Interim Chief Leo Carrillo for assisting the city.”

Contact City Editor Gene Sears at gsears@metrowestnewspapers.com or at 303-659-2522, ext. 217.