Fishers lone police chief preparing to retire after 38 years: ‘Where did the time go?’
FISHERS, Ind (WISH) – After nearly 40 years, Fishers only police chief is preparing to call it quits.
“Where did the time go?” asked Fishers Police Chief, George Kehl.
Chief Kehl grew up in Fishers. When town marshal opened in 1978, he applied.
“We had a couple police cars that weren’t running,” Chief Kehl said. “Had to get those fixed. Of course, we had a very small area to patrol. So it was basically, find your way around, which wasn’t too hard back then.”
38 years later, it’s a little harder now. The population is now at nearly 90,000 up from 1,500. That is growth that ballooned Kehl’s force.
“Not even comparable,” Chief Kehl said. “It was about $35,000 in the first year budget, and now we’re about up to $15 million.”
The budget wasn’t the only small thing during the first year. Chief Kehl’s first headquarters was a second floor room, in a building on 116th Street.
“I’m blessed to be here this long,” Chief Kehl said. “I’m very lucky.”
He’s not done yet. Chief Kehl still has a lot of packing to do. “I’m not really putting it off,” Chief Kehl said. “I’m just trying to decide what I really want to keep.”
While his office is filled with awards, what he’s most proud of can’t be found on the walls.
“These kids in the school system are our future,” Chief Kehl said. “To bring a community together, and have them work with us, and respect us, as we respect our community, says it all for this agency.”
He may be leaving, but he’s not slowing down. Chief Kehl is ready for the next chapter.
“I can’t sit at home and do nothing,” Chief Kehl said. “That’s not going to happen. I love government. I love public service. Anything I can do to help give back to the community, or even to this county, I’m going to do it.”
Kehl will retire September 29th. He’s being replaced by Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson. Thompson is a man who Chief Kehl said might give neighbors a new name, but the philosophies will get even better.