Bowling Green Police Chief Tony Hetrick was honored by city leaders last week during his last City Council meeting as chief of police.
“I believe that Bowling Green is a better place because Tony Hetrick has served as chief here,” Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said.
After serving nearly three decades with the Bowling Green Police Division – the last 10 as chief – Hetrick will be retiring on May 4.
The chief has excelled at listening and working cooperatively with the community, Tretter said. He has been an advocate for the police division, and for keeping up with technology in law enforcement, she added.
Mayor Mike Aspacher referred to Hetrick’s retirement as a “bittersweet day.”
“He’s a man of high character,” who is consistent and calm, the mayor said. “Our officers reflect that steadiness.”
“Never underestimate the difference you’ve made in the lives that you touched,” Aspacher said to Hetrick. “You will be missed here in Bowling Green.”
City Attorney Hunter Brown praised Hetrick for his professionalism in the position.
Hetrick, who was accompanied by his wife, Leslie, and son, Noah, spoke highly of the officers in the police division.
“They made me proud of them every day,” he said, citing their dedication, innovation and courage.
The chief also thanked the community for being supportive of the police division.
“This is a fantastic community,” Hetrick said. “I did not set out to be the chief of police. It has been a great honor to me.”
Justin White, the current deputy police chief, has been selected to be the next chief. White started his career at the BG Police Division in 2001. Prior to his promotion to deputy chief in 2015, he served as a patrol sergeant for three years, detective for five years, and patrol officer for six years.
