Makai Echer Named Interim Ankeny Police Chief

ANKENY, IA — Ankeny Police Capt. Makai Echer begins Christmas Day as interim police chief for Ankeny. She will replace Chief Gary Mikulec, who announced in September that he would retire at the end of the year.

Echer will be the interim chief until a recruitment and interview process results in the hiring of a new chief, a news release from the city said. A nationwide search has begun for a permanent chief and city leaders hope to complete the process within six months.

Echer started with the Ankeny Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer. She was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and lieutenant in 2008. In 2011, she was the first woman to be named captain, which is the second-highest rank in the Ankeny Police Department. She also becomes the first woman to serve as interim police chief for the City of Ankeny.

“Capt. Echer is an experienced law enforcement professional whose experience, knowledge and steady hand of leadership will guide the department through this interim period,” City Manager David Jones said in the news release. “She is well respected by staff, management, her peers and the community. I am confident Capt. Echer’s leadership will continue to support the City’s commitment to provide a safe, welcoming community.”

Mikulec has served 14 years as police chief and has a total of more than 44 years of experience in law enforcement.

Photo courtesy of City of Ankeny