Late last week, Urbana Police Officer Seth Lingrell, 29, was officially sworn in as Sergeant during a ceremony held at the Urbana Municipal Building.
The oath was administered by Judge Gil Weithman in front of family, friends, fellow officers, and city officials, including Mayor Bill Bean and Director of Administration Kerry Brugger.
Sergeant Lingrell’s father, Chief Matt Lingrell, proudly held the Urbana Police Bible as his son took the oath.
A 2014 graduate of Urbana High School, Sergeant Lingrell is a U.S. Army veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne Division from 2014 to 2018, including a deployment to Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve as an Infantry Team Leader.
Following his military service, Lingrell graduated from the Ohio State Patrol Basic Police Academy in 2018 and began his career with the Urbana Police Division shortly thereafter.
Sergeant Lingrell was promoted after finishing at the top of the Champaign County Civil Service Commission’s sergeant promotional testing process.
He fills the position left vacant by the retirement of Sergeant Shawn Schmidt, a 25-year veteran of the department.
Sergeant Schmidt was among the many former officers in attendance to support the new sergeant.
During his remarks, Sergeant Lingrell expressed gratitude to those present, acknowledging the personal and professional support that has shaped his journey.
He recognized the weight of responsibility that comes with police leadership and pledged his continued commitment to the Urbana community.
Once he completes his in-service training, Sergeant Lingrell will take over as 1st Shift supervisor, leading the department’s day shift patrol unit.
