Current police chief remembers legacy of former BGPD chief after his passing

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Police Department is remembering a former police chief and the legacy he leaves behind.

The department announced retired chief Gary Raymer passed away Thursday morning. Raymer’s career at the department extends back to 1968.

Raymer rose to the rank of police chief in 1980, and he remained in that role for 22 years until retirement.

Raymer hired future police chief Michael Delaney in 1997. Delaney shared how he remembers Raymer from working by his side.

Delaney says, “He was a great leader. He led by example, he was always friendly. When you saw him, he was always speaking, and just his presence when he was on the police force gave you comfort knowing he was there.”

Respect and integrity – two things the department’s current chief associates with Raymer, remain values of the department today.

Raymer’s legacy continued with his son, Todd Raymer, who served as police chief at the Russellville Police Department, Delaney says.

There is also currently a scholarship fund formed in his name, which provides money to officers’ children to help them attend college. To learn more, visit the BGPD’s Facebook page here.