Yesterday, Evansville Mayor Terry appointed Assistant Chief Philip Smith to current Chief of
Police. During Mayor Terry’s press conference, she stated “these are incredibly important
appointments; public safety is a top priority, providing a safe and secure environment, so ensuring that
we have the right people to lead those areas has been my focus and the focus of my dedicated transition
team who worked alongside me in this process.†With the promotion to Chief for Chief Smith, Chief
Bolin signed his resignation letter after serving 26 years for the Evansville Police Department with 12 of
those being Chief; he retires as the longest consecutive serving Chief in EPD history. For the past three
years, Chief Smith was Assistant Chief under Chief Bolin and was able to shadow his work during those
years while also gaining a great mentor and friend.
A statement made by Chief Bolin describes his confidence in Chief Smith’s promotion;
“Growing up on the southeast side of Evansville, I never dreamed I would someday be the Chief of
Police. Had I done it for one day, it would have been the honor of a lifetime, and to do it for over twelve
years has been the ride of a lifetime. I will be running out my accrued time off and retiring from the
Evansville Police Department at the end of March. As this chapter ends, I’m not sure what lies ahead,
but I’m optimistic about my future. By now, most of you should know that I embrace my dorky side, so I
share this specific photo of Mr. Miyagi as this was how he looked at Daniel at the end of The Karate
Kid. This is how I feel about Chief Philip Smith today. An overwhelming since of pride best sums me up
right now. The number one rule for any leader should be finding, developing, and mentoring their
replacement. I have said for years that I hope Phil replaces me as Chief and today is that day. I will be a
phone call away when/if he ever has a question and he will remain one of my closest friends. I wish him
nothing but the best and he has my full support.
â€Evansville Police Department
15 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Evansville, Indiana 47708
TX: 812-436-7896 – TDD: 812-436-7975 – FAX: 812-435-6175
EMAIL: info@evansvillepolice.com
With the transition already in effect, we want to take the time to thank Chief Bolin for the past
twelve years. During those twelve years Chief Bolin was instrumental in building and maintaining
relationships within the community, created numerous non-profit organizations to benefit children and
those with illnesses in our area, Cops Connecting with Kids and 911 Gives Hope, and was overall a
trailblazer locally and nationally on community policing. Chief Bolin was Chief during some of the most
difficult times in a policeman’s career and always prided himself on doing the right thing and
progressing forward. With Chief Smith following in his footsteps, we anticipate forward progression and
a great outlook, not only for the Evansville Police Department but for the citizens of Evansville.
Chief Billy Bolin pinning Chief Philip Smith with his Chief badge, badge #100.
