Russellville selects new police chief

RUSSELLVILLE Ky. – Russellville Police Department named a new police chief to take office next week.

The newly appointed chief who takes command Aug. 1, Todd Raymer, is a local to the area and has served the community for nearly two decades.

Now following in his father’s footsteps, Raymer will be taking on the role as chief of police. Raymer’s father, Gary Raymer, served as the Bowling Green chief for several years.

Raymer grew up in Bowling Green and received his master’s degree from Western Kentucky University.

After college, his first job was at Russellville Police Department.

“I ended up staying and I haven’t regretted it. It has not been a rosy road the whole trip, that’s anywhere you are I don’t care what organization you are or what job you have, but it’s been pretty well paved, and I’ve enjoyed the trip,” Raymer said.

His father said his Todd Raymer is going to do a great job as chief.

“I’m real proud of him. He’s worked really hard. He’s a real deserving person of that position. He has the background. He has the experience. He has an education, and I think he believes in the city of Russellville. I believe he believes in the people and wants to better them,” said Gary Raymer.

Although a new chief can spell change, Todd Raymer doesn’t anticipate any huge changes coming as he believes the department is currently successful and has working systems and policies in place.

“I don’t see any major hurdles to overcome, we will have a couple speed bumps that will go over but all in all it should be a fairly easy transition. It’s not going to be butter smooth, but it will be an easy transition,” Raymer said.

The newly appointed Russellville Chief of Police said one of the biggest issues he expects to deal with is being short staffed as a department. He says he would rather be short staffed and be able to hire the right people.

Raymer will take his position officially on Aug. 1, the same day as three officers retire from the department.

“I know he’ll do a good job he’s just that kind of person. He’ll stick with it through thick and thin,” Gary A. Raymer said about his son.