By RODNEY L. SHERMAN
Clarion News editor
Knox Borough Police Chief Jason Bowen tendered a letter of resignation on Dec. 18. His official last day with the borough will be Jan. 13.
“It’s a family decision,” Bowen told Knox Borough Council members at a special meeting held for just a few agenda items. “It has nothing to do with the borough.”
Bowen has been accepted into the Michigan State Police Academy. Bowen and his family are originally from Michigan.
“Leaving isn’t an easy decision, but it’s an honor to be accepted into the Michigan State Police, and we’ll be going home.”
Bowen has been with the Knox Police Department for eight years – the last three as chief.
Bowen expressed his hope that council will promote Patrolman Joab Orr to the position of police chief.
Council met for about 22 minutes in executive session to discuss Orr’s qualifications. Council took no action on promoting Orr or advertising for a patrolman.
Council will meet Tuesday for its biannual reorganizational meeting followed by its regular monthly meeting, and action on the police situation could come at that time.
“I appreciate the work you did here,” said Councilman Mike Leahy. “You did a marvelous job – you laid a lot of groundwork for some very good policies and procedures.”
Other council members and Mayor Rich Cochran all wished Bowen well in his new career and thanked him for his work in the borough.