Just like the two men who preceded him in the job, Salem’s new Police Chief made his way to the top of the city’s law enforcement ladder by gaining valuable experience at every stop along the way.
Salem City Manager Kevin Boggess took the “acting” portion off of Tim Guthrie’s title as he appointed him Chief of Police for Salem, effective immediately. He replaces Jeff Dudley, who retired as Salem’s Chief on December 1.
“I cannot begin to say how grateful I am to have been given this opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police,” said Guthrie. “I have had the opportunity to serve under many great leaders and I am ever so thankful for the investment they made in me.”
Guthrie has been with the department since 1981 and learned many valuable lessons while working under former Chiefs Jimmy Bryant and Dudley. During his 33 years with the Salem Police Department he has served as a Patrol and Traffic Officer, Narcotics and General Investigations Detective, Detective and Services Division Sergeant, Services Division Lieutenant, a Captain and Major.
“Chief Guthrie is a very thoughtful and principled leader with a strong will to move the department forward,” says Kevin Boggess, Salem City Manager. “I am very proud to announce his selection as Salem’s new Chief of Police,”
Guthrie is a Roanoke City native who graduated from William Fleming High School and completed requirements for his Associate in Applied Science degree at Virginia Western Community College. In 1998, he earned his Bachelors of Science degree from Bluefield College, and later his Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Hollins University in 2013.
In addition, Guthrie is a graduate of the 220th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the 23rd session of the Administrative Officer Management Program in Raleigh. Over the years he has attended numerous police training schools and seminars in police management and protocol.
”I would be remiss if I did not mention the employees of the department who are without a doubt the best group of men and women a community could ask for,” said Guthrie. “Their dedication to serve is paramount and I look forward to being part of their continued growth.”
Boggess and Guthrie conferred with one another about the appointment of Salem’s new Deputy Chief and have announced that Sgt. Mike Crawley will assume that role and rise to the rank of Deputy Chief immediately.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of the Salem Police Department,” said Crawley. “As we move forward it will be imperative that we build on our excellent staff relations, our work within our communities and the development of policing strategies to ensure that we continue to have a progressive police service.”
Crawley also is a Roanoke native and a 1991 graduate of Patrick Henry High School. He attended Virginia Western Community College and is pursuing a degree in Management from Bluefield College.
He began his career with the Salem Police Department in December of 1999 as an Officer assigned to the Patrol Division. After completing field service as a Patrol Officer, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Police Officer and transferred to the Detective Division in 2004 where he was assigned to the Special Investigation Unit. In 2006, Crawley was transferred to General Investigative unit where he rose to the rank of Sergeant.
“Mike Crawley brings a great deal to the plate and he already is a proven leader in the department,” says Guthrie. “He has earned the respect of his co-workers and will carry the department in a positive direction both now and in the future.
“Salem has a reputation for outstanding leadership development, and Chief Guthrie and Deputy Chief Crawley are two more examples of why that reputation is so well deserved,” said Boggess.
Both Chief Guthrie and Deputy Chief Crawley reside in Salem with their families.
