Interim chief named

Veteran patrol officer Lt. Eric Lyons has been named Philadelphia’s interim police chief after Julian Greer’s retirement was announced earlier this month.

Lyons’  appointment was made on Dec. 15 following an executive session during a regular meeting. The interim appointment is effective Jan 1.

Lyons is a Philadelphia native and has 14 years of experience in law enforcement. He went to work for the police department after graduating from Philadelphia High School in 2004. 

He started as a patrolman and was later promoted to DUI officer, a position he held for 14 years. Lyons currently serves as patrol commander.

Lyons said he intends to apply as the full-time chief.

“I will be a candidate,” Lyons aid. “I appreciate the confidence the board showed in me by naming me interim chief.

“I have always wanted to be a police officer and this is another step in my career. I have experience and have seen a lot of things. I have ideas on how to the department can improve and move forward,” Lyons said.

Training will be a top priority for Lyons.

“Making sure we have a well-trained department is a must,” Lyons said. “We will always be looking for ways to improved and to do things better.”

Mayor James Young said the board voted to advertise the position for a couple of weeks and accept applications.

“He has shown he can handle it,” Young said. “Now he will have his chance to become the next police chief. We are taking applications and we’ll see who else applies.”

The mayor added that the board plans to review the applications and begin interviews by its second meeting in January.

Lyons and his wife Jamie have six children, Logan,  Erica, Candace, Jadalynn, McKenzie and McKinley.