As 2023 gets underway, the Town of Mt. Airy has a new police chief but he’s no stranger to the town or the area.
Jamie Bowden, who began his law enforcement career in the town right out of the police academy and since has worked for police departments in Demorest and Clarkesville, was sworn in Friday night by Mt. Airy Mayor Ray McAllister.
“It is an honor,” Bowden said. “I'm really grateful for the opportunity that the Town of Mt. Airy has done. I started my first days working, early 2000s, over here and I never would have dreamed that this night would have come about. I’m ready to go to work and do good things.”
Bowden was quick to say he wants to focus on getting to know the people he will be serving.
“My biggest goal is to get to know, to start with, the citizens in the town,” Bowden said. “I want to increase the patrols in the neighborhoods and get the community more involved in the events that the town has and try to promote the town for its better good.”
That neighborhood patrol focus is one reason McAllister believes Bowden is the best fit for the town, adding he hopes Bowden will stay in the role until he retires.
“The love of the people I think is one of Jamie’s best qualities,” McAllister said. “And, as you know, one of my focuses is connecting the community with town hall.”
McAllister said he hopes Bowden will add longevity to the position, pointing out he is team player.
Bowden replaces Police Chief Tim Jarrell, who left to take a job as investigator for the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
Jarrell also was serving as manager for the town, a position McAllister has taken on until further notice.
“I’ve assumed the duties of city manager for now,” McAllister said. “We’re going to try to save some money for a year or so and see how things work out.”
Bowden will set his work schedule and the town will continue to utilize part-time officers to supplement patrol.
“We have a really good part-time group,” McAllister said. “And we have a great working relationship with the sheriff’s office. I don’t anticipate any shortfalls in police protection.”
Bowden said Mt. Airy has good equipment and said he and his staff will be able to do the job to the fullest.
“Mt. Airy’s a good town,” Bowden said. “There’s good days ahead.”
Jarrell was named police chief in Mt. Airy in December 2017 and joined the town in January 2018 after serving as Toccoa police chief.
