For the first time in a very, very long time, there will be a new top police official in Fishers. Long-time Chief George Kehl has announced his retirement from the force beginning September of next year. Mayor Scott Fadness was quick to name the second in command, Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson, as the new chief. Below is the news release from the City of Fishers”
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After nearly 40 years with the Fishers Police Department, long-time chief, George Kehl, has announced that he will retire from the force in September 2016. Mayor Scott Fadness has named Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson as his successor.
“I am so grateful for Chief Kehl’s leadership and his tireless service to our community,” said Mayor Fadness. “Under his command, the police department has grown into a dynamic, nationally accredited agency that takes a proactive approach to policing.”
Chief Kehl joined the Fishers Police Department in 1975 as a part-time Deputy Marshal and became police chief in 1978. During his tenure, the police department has grown from one sworn officer to a department of 103. Chief Kehl has led the department during explosive population growth, and instituted policies that ensured Fishers remained one of the safest cities in the United States. A few of his career accolades include:
· Attended and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy – 1991
· Participated in the LEEDS Academy elite school for law enforcement – 2001
· Served as President of Indiana Chiefs of Police – 2006
· Received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Mitch Daniels – 2007
· Implemented a successful criminal intelligence unit – 2012
“Serving my community has been the greatest honor of my life,” said Chief Kehl. “Our police department is one of the finest in the country, and I have enjoyed every minute of making Fishers a safer place to live, work and play.”
“Not only has Chief Kehl protected Fishers for the last 40 years, but he has built a team that will keep us safe for decades to come,” said Mayor Fadness. “He’s announced his retirement now to ensure a seamless transition for the new department leader.”
Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson will replace Chief Kehl as police chief in September 2016. Assistant Chief Thompson joined the force in 1991 and has been assistant chief since 2003. He is 24-year resident of Fishers.
