The Bellefontaine Police Department has a new interim chief of police.
Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler announced Chris Marlow as the interim chief. The move comes after long-time Police Chief Brandon Standley announced he was stepping down earlier this month.
Chief Standley’s final day will be Friday, April 7 after serving the community for more than 28 years, including the last 12 as chief.
Mayor Stahler reflected on Chief Standley’s recent announcement, “We’re grateful for Chief Standleys’ 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.”
A lifelong resident of the Bellefontaine area, Marlow will not be an unfamiliar face as he steps into the role of Interim Chief of Police. He currently serves as a Lieutenant within the BPD. He is also the department’s executive officer.
Lt. Marlow brings more than 26 years of experience with the BPD in many roles including patrolman, K-9 handler, sergeant, special response team leader, and his current role as a lieutenant.
In addition to his years of experience with the Bellefontaine Police Department, Marlow also has extensive law enforcement education and training, including have obtained his B.S. In Criminal Justice/Leadership from Urbana University and his M.S. In Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University. Marlow is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program.
“We are fortunate to have Lt. Marlow in our ranks with the breadth of experience and knowledge he has in the profession. In addition to his well-rounded resume, Chris has deep roots in our community having grown up here and dedicated his career to service in his hometown. It’s always exciting to be able to promote one of our own and I’m confident Lt. Marlow will serve the department and community well during his transition,” commented Mayor Stahler.
The process for selecting a new, permanent chief of police is governed by the Ohio Revised Code and the City of Bellefontaine Civil Service Rules. The Bellefontaine Civil Service Commission has already met to discuss the process and will set a date for a competitive test soon. The city must offer the promotional test no later than June 6, 2023, and a permanent appointment would be named soon after the testing process is completed.
