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WINTERSVILLE -- After serving the village for 21 years, Art Fowler has resigned as police chief, and council is expected to consider a new chief at its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Citing a desire to pursue other opportunities, Fowler on Tuesday submitted the resignation, which is effective April 9.
Mayor Mike Petrella said he was surprised by the resignation but wishes Fowler well in his future endeavors.
"We thank him for all of his years of service and dedication to the citizens," he said.
Petrella said as mayor, he's charged with appointing the next chief, pending approval of a majority of council.
He said Thursday he had someone in mind but didn't wish to disclose that person's name.
Asked whether the chief must be a Wintersville resident at the time of his service, Petrella said that's not clear, but it's his personal preference.
Last year, Fowler was presented the Ohio Attorney General's Office's Distinguished Law Enforcement Community Service Award for his efforts involving the youth and the elderly.
Fowler has served on the Jefferson County I-Team for the Prevention of Elderly Abuse and the board of directors for A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, which educates the community about child abuse and assists law enforcement in investigating allegations of it.
Fowler used social media to express his thoughts on his years serving the village.
"Let me say that I absolutely loved my 21 years of service to the residents of Wintersville, to which I have gained numerous lifelong friends and community partners. I have served beside some of the best law enforcement officers on the job and I believe I have been able to help move the Wintersville Police Department in a positive direction during my tenure with the department."
Fowler also addressed the many students he met while serving as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer in the Indian Creek School District for 20 years.
"I have and will continue to treasure our time together, and it has truly been an honor and privilege to teach you and watch you grow into adults, parents and role models for the younger generations. As I have told you before, I will always be there for you," he said.
"I wish nothing but the best for the village and the department moving forward," Fowler added.
Fowler said he's purchased Tank, the police dog with whom he has served as the department's K-9 unit, so the canine can spend his retirement with him.
Prior to 2019, Fowler served with another dog, Ali, who died of natural causes in December and had lived with him also, as is customary for K-9 units.