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With the recent retirement of Mike Turner, Chief of Police Tim Murphy is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Bell to Asst. Chief of Police.

Bell has been employed with the Altus Police Department since 2007, after graduating from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training reserve academy. In 2007, Bell became a full time police officer after attending the CLEET academy.

In 2009, Bell was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Bell served his country and retired in 2001 from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service as a Security Forces member. Bell deployed to Iraq and Bosnia while in the military.

He obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in 2007 and his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice Management and Ethics in 2010 from Mid America Christian University. He continues his studies at Tiffin University and hopes to receive his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Management in 2014.

Bell is an active member in the Altus community. He serves as the Chairman of the Jackson County Tobacco Committee, the Drug Abuse and Resistance Education Officer (D.A.R.E.) for Altus and Olustee school system. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Red Cross.

Bell is married to Sandra, and they have four children, Misty, Kenny, Michael and Christina. They also have one grandchild, December Booker.

“I look forward to working with Mike Bell to ensure that the Altus Police Department continues to provide the best service possible to our citizens,” said Chief Murphy.