By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — After 40 years with the Collinsville Police Department, Chief Gary Bowen turned in his badge at a retirement party honoring him on January 31, 2019.

Bowen holds the title of the longest serving police chief in the State of Alabama. He began his career in 1979 as a patrol officer and was appointed to Chief in 1985.

Collinsville Mayor Johnny Traffanstedt spoke highly of Bowen and said he would be hard to replace.

“It was a sad day, yesterday. Gary has been here a long time and is a fixture in the Collinsville Police Department,” said Traffanstedt. “He is a level headed man, who has the respect of young and old in our community.”

Rex Leath will serve as interim chief until a successor is named.

Southern Torch would like to Congratulate Chief Gary Bowen and wish him well in his retirement!