McChesney named interim police chief

Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb announced Monday night he is appointing Police Lieutenant Rex McChesney as interim police chief.  He will lead the department after Chief Greg Peterson retires April 30.

McChesney is scheduled to be sworn in as interim chief at the City Council’s March 3 meeting.

McChesney is a Clear Lake native who graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1981 and went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He received an associates degree from North Iowa Area Community College and Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

He served as a correctional officer for the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office prior to joining the CLPD in 1986. 

His rise through the department continued in 2006, when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  

McChesney and his wife, Jodie, have two sons, Seth and Sean.  Seth is a police officer in Mason City, while Sean is a graduate student at the University of Northern Iowa.  The McChesneys are owners/operators of Clear Lake Coin Laundry/Forever Tan.  In their free time, they like to volunteer locally, as well as camp, fish, hunt, and spend time with family. 

McChesney stated that he enjoys working for the City because he loves the hometown atmosphere and knowing those residents that he proudly serves.

“Lt. McChesney has been in the community and law enforcement a long time and he has leadership experience,” said Crabb, who along with City Administrator Scott Flory interviewed applicants for the interim position.

“We’ve got a great police department and are fortunate to have such qualified staff,” added Crabb.  

McChesney will begin handling the day-to-day duties of the chief March 3, with Chief Peterson available to consult and help where needed.