In Memory of Chief Dennis M. Patton

 

Chief Patton joined the Newburgh Police Department in 1972 and

in 1979 he was promoted to Chief of Police and held that rank until

his death on November 14, 2004.   

 

Chief Patton was a Vietnam veteran and served in both the

Marine Corps. and Army.  After his military service, he moved to the Evansville area and started working as a security officer for the Evansville Regional Airport.  During this time, he also worked part-time for the

Newburgh Police Department as a Sergeant.  

 

One of Chief’s achievements during his years with the department was

the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. 

Chief Patton introduced the program into the Newburgh

elementary schools in the early 1980’s.  This was one of Chief Patton’s proudest accomplishments.  He always wanted to connect with the youth

to prevent them from bad choices later in life.   

 

Chief Patton was also a Kentucky Colonel and was also a former

Police Officer of the Year.  At the time of his death, he was

the longest serving Chief of Police in Indiana. 

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There isn’t a day that goes by that the department

isn’t reminded of Chief Patton’s legacy.