The City of Bellefontaine and many of its citizens and staff paid tribute Thursday afternoon, April 6, to the longtime dedicated service of Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley at a retirement open house in his honor at the Bellefontaine City Building.
His last day in his position was Friday. April 7, following 28 years employed at the Bellefontaine Police Department, including 12 years at the helm of the agency. Monday, April 10, he begins a new role as the Jerome Township administrator in Union County.
Over the years since becoming police chief, Standley said his number one accomplishment has been improving relations with the community and opening up the lines of communication between the public and his officers and staff.
Since he was administrated the oath of commission as chief of police on Nov. 23, 2011, one of his goals was implementing the community outreach program. Many neighbor visits at various parks and city streets since have ensued, which featured BPD employees regularly interacting in a positive environment with youths and adults for cookouts and other fun activities.
“We’ve been able to bring the community closer to us, and us closer to the community,” Chief Standley said Thursday. “It’s led to a stronger police department and has helped us to build up the trust of the public.
“The citizens have gotten to know our officers and they feel more comfortable coming to us in times of trouble.”
At his oath of commission ceremony in 2011, the police chief thanked the many people who have made his success possible, including his wife Bess and their children Evan, Owen and Reagan. Their son Evan is now a Bellefontaine Police Department officer, beginning that role in 2021. Chief Standley also promised a “new era” for the city and police department.
“The men and women that work for you at your police department are excited for this change….,” he said in an 2011 Examiner article. He was stepping into his new role following the resignation of former Police Chief Brad Kunze amid an internal investigation.
“As we embark on our journey, please help us to improve our community and take pride in the neighborhoods. Crime will never stop, but I can tell you that our number one goal is to provide you with a quality law enforcement agency that takes pride in our duties and pride in our city. Sooner or later, hopefully sooner, our pride and your pride will become one.”
During Thursday’s open house, former Mayor Adam Brannon, who administered the oath of commission to Standley in 2011, reflected on this progress.
“He’s left the city in a better position than when he started, and we are very grateful,” said Brannon, who serves as the deputy director of the Logan County Board of Elections.
Mayor Ben Stahler also expressed appreciation for the police chief’s longtime service and innovative programs, including the Citizens Police Academy, which is now hosting its 11th class of students.
“We’re grateful for Chief Standley’s nearly three decades of service to the City of Bellefontaine.
“During his time as chief, the police department has made tremendous strides, and implemented numerous new programs, including the Citizens Police Academy, which has been very popular and successful. We are certainly thankful for his leadership.”
In addition, the police chief led the way to implement the Community Safety Event, featuring dozens of public safety service agencies from the local, state and federal levels each summer at Southview Park for hands-on demonstrations, K9 demos, medical helicopter take-offs and more. He said the 11th annual event will continue this year on Aug. 19.
Other mainstays of the department, including the BPD’s annual awards banquet, annual tailgate party at Blue Jacket Park, youth programming and School Resource Office program will also continue.
Now in his retirement from the BPD, Standley said he will miss the people the most, by far.
“We spend so many hours together at all hours of the day and night, and we get to know each other so well,” he said. “You get invested in each other’s lives.”
During his tenure as chief, Standley said the department hired more than 40 dispatchers, police officers and auxiliary officers.
Chief Standley was hired at the Bellefontaine Police Department as a police officer in 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2003.
Lt. Christopher S. Marlow will begin his role as the interim chief of police, effective today, April 8.
A lifelong resident of the Bellefontaine area, Marlow has most recently served as a lieutenant with the department and as its executive officer.
In all, Lt. Marlow has more than 26 years’ experience with the Bellefontaine Police Department, including have served as a patrolman, K-9 handler, sergeant and Special Response Team leader.