(EVANSVILLE) – After spending more than 41 years of processing and examining all types of illegal controlled substances, Indiana State Police Forensic Scientist Bill Bowles is retiring from the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division.
Bowles is a native of Berea, KY, and a 1967 graduate of Berea Foundation High School. He later attended Berea College where he received a bachelor’s degree, majoring in chemistry. Bowles joined the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division on April 9, 1979. Prior to joining the Indiana State Police, Bowles was a forensic chemist for the Kentucky State Police Eastern Regional Crime Laboratory.
“The high regard that our laboratory system enjoys in the forensic science and criminal justice communities is due to the dedication and long-standing professionalism that our scientists, like Bill, have demonstrated over the years. We have been so very fortunate to have Bill within our organization for these 41 years and during this time he has set the standard for others to emulate going forward. He has been a valued member of our system,” said Major Steve Holland, Commander of the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division.
Bowles was the very first person hired to work in the Evansville Regional Laboratory. Since the lab was still being built when Bowles was hired, he worked out of the Indianapolis lab until January 1980. The Evansville Regional Laboratory opened and started to receive evidence in March 1980.
The Indiana State Police appreciates Bowles’ dedication and service during these last 41 years and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.