Lane, who has served as the interim chief of police since late 2020, took his oath of office during the meeting.
City Manager Robert Camareno detailed a thorough process the city used to select Lane from a pool of 62 applicants, 10 semifinalists and four finalists for the position.
"We conducted a nationwide search for the chief of police ... and after this extensive process, the choice was clear," Camareno told council members.
Lane previously worked as the city manager of Haltom City and was the director of public safety and chief of police there before that, according to his Linkedin page. From 1987-2009, he worked for the Keller Police Department and departed as the criminal investigation division's commander.
Lane spoke briefly to meeting attendees after being sworn in and offered his gratitude to city staff, residents, the NBPD and others. He noted the combined effort was what convinced him to come out of retirement for the position.
"If it wasn't for this incredible community, I wouldn't be standing here," Lane said. "First and foremost, I want to thank the men and women of the New Braunfels Police Department."
