Mayor-elect Patrick Collins

Of the decision not to reappoint him as chief, Kozak said I've always tried to stay out of politics," adding "I'm going to do that with this situation as well."

The statement says ''ultimately the Mayor gets to decide whom they want to work with and whom they wish to serve under them."

Kozak was appointed to lead the Cheyenne Police Department in 2010 and is the longest-serving chief in the history of the CPD.

Outgoing Mayor Marian Orr said, "It’s abundantly clear Mr Collins didn’t bother to fact-check the data he cited."

Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak says Mayor-elect Patrick Collins' decision not to retain him due to crime numbers was based on inaccurate data.

Cheyenne Mayor-elect Patrick Collins says his decision not to retain Police Chief Brian Kozak when he takes office on Jan. 4 has to do with crime numbers.

A recent survey says that 98 percent of Cheyenne Police Department employees think Chief Brian Kozak should be reappointed.

The Cheyenne Police Department is looking to add six more officers to its ranks.