Interim Police Chief Michael Bowen has been named as the new Murfreesboro Chief of Police effective Monday, Nov. 6, Murfreesboro City Manager Rob Lyons announced in a press release.

Bowen has served as Deputy Chief since October 2016 and was appointed Interim Chief Oct.19,  following the resignation of James “Karl” Durr. Bowen had previously served as interim police chief before Durr was hired.

“Michael Bowen’s devotion to serving Murfreesboro as a law enforcement officer is well-established,” said City Manager Rob Lyons.  “His leadership and quiet dedication to public safety in our community for three decades is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and commitment to the policing profession and our growing city.” 

Bowen began his career in law enforcement with the Murfreesboro Police Department in 1988 as a patrol officer. He was assigned to a Field Training Officer position in 1991 and promoted to a Uniformed Division Sergeant in 1996.  In 2001, Bowen was advanced to a Lieutenant in the Uniformed Division and in 2003 as a Captain in the same Division over the Patrol Services Section.  He was named Deputy Chief in 2010.

He is a 2007 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.  He holds an associate degree in Law Enforcement from Middle Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy State University. He is a member of the International Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) and the Troy Alumni Association. Bowen is also a 2012 graduate of Leadership Rutherford and currently serves on their Alumni Council. 

A graduate of Riverdale High School, Bowen lived in several states and abroad before his family resettled in Murfreesboro after his father’s retirement from the Army. He and his wife, Sherry, have been married 23 years and have three children. 

As Chief, Bowen will be promoted to an annual salary of $114,342.54.