VWPD dispatcher announces retirement

VW independent/submitted information

After 20 years of service with the department, Van Wert Police Department Dispatcher Cheryl Bowen will be retiring this Thursday, August 4.

Bowen started with the department on December 20, 1995, as a part-time dispatcher and accepted a full-time position on March 3, 1996.

During her time with the department, she has served on the Interview Committee and has been a trainer for new dispatchers.

“Having Cheryl’s knowledge and expertise on the committee and as a trainer has been very beneficial in ensuring the department hired the best candidates and that the new employees received the training for their success,” said Police Chief Joel Hammond.

In addition, she has also served as a LEADS (Law Enforcement Agencies Data System) terminal agency coordinator since 2003. Throughout her time, she coordinated LEADS system training and compliance requirements, so the department would be successful during state audits. Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring compliance was noticed and commented on by more than one auditor during reviews.

“I would like to thank Dispatcher Bowen for her years of service,” Chief Hammond noted. “Her knowledge and expertise in dispatching will be difficult to replace. I want to wish Cheryl all the best in her retirement and future endeavors.”