Det. Chris Bowman to get temporary appointment

 

The city of Ironton will be looking for a new police chief in early 2013.

Monday will be the last regular work day for Jim Carey, who has been chief since 2006. Until his official retirement, in late January or February — the exact date depends on state retirement system calculations — he will use more than 119 days of accumulated sick and vacation time.

Carey said, after Monday, he will work on an as needed basis on specific duties, such as teaching an officer the procedures for the city impound lot.

Carey, who will be 48 years old when his retirement is official, said he looks forward to spending more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Carey said he will most miss the people he has worked with in his 22 years on the job.

“Anything I accomplished has been because some good people were behind me,” Carey said. “I think what makes you or breaks you are the people who support and help you.”

Mayor Rich Blankenship said once Carey vacates the job he will advertise the position to the four eligible captains within the department: Chris Bowman, Dan Johnson, Mark Wilson and Joe Ross.

The city charter specifies that the chief is chosen from the city’s captains who have at least two years experience with that rank. All four men qualify.

Those who want the promotion must take a test and submit to an interview with the city’s civil commission.

The test contains questions on administration, budget and other aspects of the police department. The civil service commission members are John Smith, Shala Black and Cathy Elam.

Until a new chief is in place, the past policy has been that the captain with the most seniority will be appointed acting chief and that captain is Bowman.

Blankenship said he will miss Carey and has enjoyed working with the departing chief.

“I have had the utmost respect for Chief Carey,” Blankenship said. “He’s been, in my opinion, an outstanding chief. I know he’s been through a lot with different things that have happened but he’s handled himself very professionally. He will be missed tremendously.”