The Urbana Police Division hosted a heartfelt retirement celebration Thursday afternoon for Urbana Police Chief Matthew Lingrell, honoring his 41-plus years of service to the city and marking the end of a storied career that spans generations of public safety leadership in the Lingrell family.
Lingrell, who officially retires at the end of the day Friday, November 21, 2025, began his law enforcement journey on July 8, 1984, fulfilling a lifelong dream inspired by his father, longtime Urbana Police Chief Billy D. Lingrell, who served the community from 1952 to 1997.
For Chief Lingrell, the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps was foundational to his calling, and he spent his final week on duty wearing his father’s badge in his honor.
A Career Timeline
- 1970: Young Matt Lingrell learns of his father’s role when his first-grade class celebrates Billy’s appointment as Chief.
- 1984: After finishing first on the civil service exam, Matt Lingrell joins the Urbana Police Division, serving under his father’s leadership.
- 2001: His father passes away, years before Matt becomes Chief.
- 2011: Lingrell is appointed Chief of the Urbana Police Division, leading the department with a focus on integrity, service, and community trust.
- 2011–2025: Serves 14 years as Chief, supported by Deputy Chiefs Seth King and Josh Jacobs.
- 2025: Announces retirement, completing more than four decades of service.
During Thursday’s ceremony, colleagues, friends, and city leaders reflected on Lingrell’s deep commitment to the Urbana Police Division and the community it protects. Lingrell credited the officers who mentored him, the division’s administrative staff, former chiefs, and the many leaders he served alongside for supporting him through both challenging and rewarding moments.
He called the Urbana Police Division “the best small law enforcement agency in central Ohio,” emphasizing the professionalism, loyalty, and compassion of the officers who shaped his career.
Lingrell also spoke about the emotional transition into retirement, noting he will miss the calls, the responsibilities, and the daily work of leading a department he loves. Yet, he said he will continue living by the principles that guided his policing career—serving others and providing hope whenever it is most needed.
Faith, Family, and Community
Lingrell told attendees that his faith and family were foundational to his 41 years in uniform. He thanked his wife Krista for her steadfast support through difficult calls, sleepless nights, and the emotional weight that comes with public safety service. He also expressed gratitude to his children, siblings, and extended family who shared the sacrifices of police life. His son, Seth, serves on the police force.
He closed by referencing the scripture engraved on his Chief’s Challenge Coin, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He said those words guided him throughout his leadership of the Urbana Police Division.
A Community Says Thank You
The ceremony concluded with warm applause and well-wishes for Chief Lingrell as he begins a new chapter after decades of dedication to the Urbana Police Division and the City of Urbana.
Chief Matthew Lingrell retires with the same mission he carried into every day of service:
To help others—and to offer hope whenever they most need it.
