Bobby Alan Austin joined the Leachville Police Department Jan. 2 as the new police chief and is looking forward to the year ahead working for the community which is also his hometown. Chief Austin, son of Bobby and Deloras Austin, grew up in Leachville and was among the second graduating class of Buffalo Island Central High School in 1986.
Chief Austin has been in law enforcement for four years in April. He graduated from the police academy in November 2015. He has worked for the Osceola Police Department working patrol and later working in CID.
Austin said he wanted to be a police officer since he was a kid, and when the opportunity came along he made the decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“It has proven to be a good decision for me,” Chief Austin said.
It was not an easy decision for him to leave the Osceola Police Department as he liked working for the Osceola PD.
“They gave me a chance even though I was 47 years old," Austin said. “I worked with great people in Osceola. Leachville is my hometown and it is a good place to live and I am glad to be back home. Everyone has been welcoming and encouraging.”
Leachville has three full time officers, all certified. Full time officers include Kasey Shepard, Mike Shiverly and Michael Myatt. Cheri Gibson works part-time as needed.
Austin's plans are to do business and be here for the community 24-7.
“We have a good mayor and council and I can see our town growing,” he said.