Lincoln Township Police Chief to Retire After 30 Years

Gary Soper will step down on April 15 after leading the department since 2017.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lincoln Township Police Chief Gary Soper is retiring after 30 years of service, with his last day set for April 15. Township Manager Kacey Dominguez announced Soper's retirement at a recent board meeting, stating the search for his replacement will start internally with the current police force before potentially opening up the position to the public.

Why it matters

Soper's retirement marks the end of an era for the Lincoln Township Police Department, as he has been a fixture in the community for three decades. His departure will require a transition to new leadership, which the township plans to handle carefully to ensure continuity in public safety services.

The details

Soper began his law enforcement career in the city of Benton Harbor before joining the Lincoln Township police force as a patrol officer. He was promoted to chief in 2017 and has led the department since then. Dominguez said the township will first look to its current officers to fill the chief position before potentially opening the search to external candidates.

  • Soper's last day as police chief will be April 15, 2026.
  • Soper started with the Lincoln Township Police Department 30 years ago on April 15.

The players

Gary Soper

The retiring Lincoln Township Police Chief who has served the community for 30 years.

Kacey Dominguez

The Lincoln Township Manager who announced Soper's retirement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the police union contract we'll give the offer for our current police officers internally to apply. We'll review those applications and based on those applicants if we need to open it up to the public we'll do that after.”

— Kacey Dominguez, Lincoln Township Manager (moodyonthemarket.com)

“I've had a fantastic career with Lincoln Township, and the community has always been supportive.”

— Gary Soper (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The Lincoln Township Board will review applications from current police officers to determine if the chief position should be opened up to external candidates as well.

The takeaway

Soper's retirement after three decades of service highlights the importance of stable police leadership and the challenge of transitioning to new command in a community. Lincoln Township's approach of first considering internal candidates reflects a desire for continuity in public safety.