Tony Lane, a law officer for 46 years including 24 years as Castle Rock police chief, will be honored Wednesday after he died Oct. 28 of cancer. He was 73.
Lane’s long tenure as Castle Rock police chief — — included steering the department from 19 total employees when he joined to 67 sworn officers and 24 civilian employees by the time he stepped down.
A vigil was held Tuesday night, and his funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis of Assisi (2746 Fifth St., Castle Rock). A police processional will follow through downtown Castle Rock.
Under Lane’s leadership the department added a dispatch unit, a victims assistance team, traffic officers, canine units and other community programs.
“Chief Lane was a dedicated law enforcement professional who served as a pillar in the community. He provided the Castle Rock Police Department with strength and wisdom, as the department matured and grew,” said Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley in a news release. “We know this is a difficult time for his family, and we hope the knowledge that an entire community grieves with them brings peace and comfort.”
When he took over in 1987, Castle Rock had 8,500 residents; it was 50,000 in 2011 when he retired.
The Town Council held a moment of silence during Tuesday’s meeting.
“Chief Lane was an icon in our community,” said Mayor Paul Donahue. “He always conducted himself with a sense of class and diplomacy in any situation. Although Chief Lane will be missed by all of us in the town, his legacy remains. It is a blessing to have called him ‘Chief’ and ‘friend.’ “
Prior to serving Castle Rock, Lane was a law officer in other Colorado jurisdictions as well as in Kansas.
Lane married his college sweetheart, Lynne, in 1965, and the couple raised six children. Survivors include 10 grandchildren.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or @kierannicholson
