Guy K. Howie to lead Hopkinsville Police Department

Mayor Kemp stated, “We had an outstanding pool of very qualified candidates.  Mr. Howie, though, impressed everyone involved in the interview process by showing his commitment to community policing, professionalism and cooperation.  His law-enforcement background and his sincere interest in becoming a part of Hopkinsville’s fabric made him, without a doubt, the top choice.”

The Police Chief Selection Panel, appointed by the Mayor earlier this year, interviewed four finalists over the last two weeks.  Those finalists had been selected out of a pool of 16 candidates for the job.  Glenn Abee, City Administrative Officer, chaired the selection panel.  “Guy Howie showed us a genuine compassion for policing and for the spirit of community,” Abee said.  “His law-enforcement credentials are unquestionable and it is obvious he will provide a smooth transition.”

“My wife, Debbie, and I are humbled by the confidence the Mayor and the selection team have placed in us,” Howie said.  “We are so excited about this opportunity with the City of Hopkinsville and my dream to become a Chief of Police.  We look forward to becoming residents and citizens of Hopkinsville.”

Howie will bring thirty-two years of law-enforcement experience to town, including almost 26 years with the Ocala (Fl.) Police Department.  Major Howie currently serves as the Bureau Commander for Special Operations (Traffic Enforcement, K-9, and Bicycle Units).  He previously served Ocala as Bureau Commander for Community Policing Operations (Uniformed Patrol) and for Criminal Intelligence (Street Crimes, Intelligence and Gang Enforcement Team).  Howie started his policing career with the US Air Force in 1976 before moving into municipal law enforcement beginning in 1980.

According to his biography, Howie lists his core principles as “Crime Fighting…Community Commitment…Communications, Collaboration, & Cooperation…and Courtesy, Ethics, & Professionalism.”  His many accomplishments include graduating from the FBI National Academy; serving on the Homeland Security Regional Task Force; developing the Criminal Intelligence Unit; directing the Ocala/Marion County Drug Enforcement Team; obtaining several law enforcement grants; and serving as Chairman of the Jacksonville Region Violent Crime & Drug Council.

Mayor Kemp stated that the selection process correctly identified the strongest candidates for the position and that the panel’s work could not have been smoother.  “This was an excellent team effort, from gathering the data, to interviews, to follow-up,” Kemp said.  “I must sincerely thank the panel members for their time and devotion to this vital decision.  Their dedication to choosing the right person at this time was in the best interests of the residents of Hopkinsville.  The Panel should be commended on a job well done.”

Panel members included City Council members Patricia Bell, Charlie Henderson, Paul Henson, and Larry Radford; citizen-appointments Austin Moss and Seldon Sledd; as well as Abee and Human Resources Officer Cheryl Nichols.

The City will schedule a public reception to introduce Mr. Howie to the community in the near future.