Veteran deputy chief chosen to lead B.G. police department

6/4/2006

BOWLING GREEN - A man with 25 years service with Bowling Green's police department has been selected as the city's next police chief.

Gary Spencer, currently deputy chief and in his late 50s, will become chief on July 1, said John Fawcett, the municipal administrator.

Mr. Spencer joined the police department as a patrolman in May, 1981. He was promoted to sergeant May, 1991, lieutenant in July, 1997, and deputy chief in March, 2001.

He replaces Chief Thomas Votava, who has been chief since April 7, 1997, and will retire at the end of June. Mr. Spencer will oversee 43 officers, 15 dispatchers, and other personnel.

He was chosen by a committee that included the city's mayor, personnel director, and municipal administrator.