Chris Marlow, right, recites the oath of office for police chief, as administered by Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler Friday afternoon, June 23. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
Bellefontaine Police Department officers, city officials and employees, family members and friends packed into the Bellefontaine City Council chambers Friday, June 23, to recognize the city’s new police chief, a nearly 27-year department veteran Chris Marlow, as he was administered the oath of office.
“This is a special moment in the life of a city; we don’t get to do this often,” Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler said prior administering the official oath to Chief Marlow.
Marlow, who has been serving as interim-chief since Brandon Standley’s retirement on April 7, was identified as the top candidate among three internal candidates for the permanent appointment after an exhaustive testing and interview process overseen by the Bellefontaine Civil Service Commission.
“I’m looking forward to the change, the challenge and the privilege of serving our community, and doing my best to serve the men and women of this agency,” said Chief Marlow, who has worked in a wide variety of capacities at the BPD, including patrolman, sergeant, K-9 handler for 15 years, Special Response Team leader and working the last four years as lieutenant and chief executive officer.
“Having had the opportunity to serve as the interim chief and now actually being named the chief is quite an honor and I am beyond humbled at this opportunity.”
His brother, Lt. Scott Marlow, stepped up during the presentation, along with a number of members of the SRT, to offer a special tribute to Chief Marlow for his dedicated service to the Special Response Team for the past 23 years, now that his service in that capacity is coming to an end with his promotion to police chief.
“For 23 years, he has been on call 24/7, and attending monthly trainings. We’re grateful for your leadership” Lt. Marlow said, with the SRT members presenting a plaque and shadowbox of memorabilia to the police chief.
Chief Marlow introduced his special guests, including his wife Carol and their daughter, Taylor Manahan. He also got a little choked up introducing another important person in his life, Dan Bowman, from Goldshield K9, with whom he has developed a close relationship while undergoing training with the former department canines.
“He traveled a long distance to be here with me today. I’m getting a little emotional, as the K9 program was such a big part of my life as a police officer, something that I’m very passionate about.”
A 1994 Bellefontaine High School graduate, Chief Marlow said he caught the “law enforcement bug” when he was in high school, through various mentors in his life who were police officers, including former assistant coaches on the football field.
Then he attended Bowling Green State University, and later transferred to Urbana University to finish his undergraduate degree in criminal justice and leadership. He completed his master’s in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University.
Also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program, the new police chief said he wants to keep the positive momentum moving forward in Bellefontaine.
“In the near term, my hope is that the community at large does not notice much of a change as we intend to continue to fully commit ourselves to the city and its safety, for every resident and visitor that lives, works or plays here.
“There are a lot of positive things happening in the community, and our agency will be a part of that positivity as the place we call home continues to evolve.”
Bellefontaine Police Department’s Special Response Team members present Chief Chris Marlow, left, with special items to recognize his service to the SRT for 23 years. Leading the presentation is his brother, Lt. Scott Marlow, standing next to him. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)