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Madill City Manager James Fullingim appointed Madill Deputy Chief Steven Ray as Interim Police Chief on January 1, 2021. Courtesy photo
Former Madill Police Chief began his new journey as the Marshall County Sheriff on January 1, 2021. Even though he is beginning a new adventure, he had to leave the Madill Police Department – his place of employment for almost 30 years.
As a token of thanks for all his years of service, the Madill Police Department and Madill City Manager James Fullingim presented him with a plaque and a small reception.
In a Facebook post, the police department wrote about just what Yow meant to them as their chief.
“On Monday we said good bye to Chief Donald Yow with a retirement reception,” the police department noted. “It was kept small due to COVID restrictions. City Manager James Fullingim presented him with a plaque recogniz ing his 28+ years of service to the Madill Police Department. Deputy Chief Steven Ray presented him a gift from the department. Chief Yow (ret) will be sworn in as Marshall County Sheriff on Friday, January 1, 2021. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Madill Chief Yow.”
For many who have worked alongside of Yow, it is a moment of mixed emotions. They are happy for him but will also miss him. Donny Raley, the Madill PIO for the Madill Police Department said it is a bittersweet event.
“This move is definitely Madill’s loss and the county’s gain,” Raley said. “Although we are said to see Chief Yow leave, we celebrate the 28 years he dedicated to the City of Madill. We are sure going to miss him but look forward to working with him in his new role. We congratulate him and support him 100%.”
Yow even took to Facebook himself to say a few words to the ones he respects.
“It has truly been an honor working with Madill P.D. I would like to say thank you to all the officers, City Manager, all City employees and our citizens in which we serve,” Yow posted on Facebook. “I appreciate the friendships and dedication from all the officers and City. I look forward to start serving our County.”
Yow ended the post before things became emotional, but not before letting his peers and citizens know just how much they mean to him.
“There are several things I can write on here, but I will say thank you to everyone.”
The Facebook post with him being bestowed the plaque garnered over 65 comments of congratulations and wishes of good luck. Some even noted they believe Yow will do well in his new role. “Congrats Donald Yow on your “retirement” and new venture,” posted one citizen. “You’ll be an awesome Marshall county sheriff!
“Good man,” posted another. “Gonna make a great Sheriff. Thank you for your service in the Madlil PD.”
With the vacancy of Madill Police Chief came another reason for celebration at the small ceremony. Fullingim appointed Deputy Chief Steven Ray as Interim Chief of Police. This is a position that fills the vacancy until a police chief is hired.
The Madill Police Department posted the ceremony on Facebook, just like they did Yow’s.
“City Manager James Fullingim appointed Deputy Chief Steven Ray as Interim Chief of Police, effective at midnight tonight,” the post stated. “Interim Chief Ray will serve in this position until a permanent Chief is appointed. Interim Chief Ray has been with the Madill Police Department for 18 years. Please help us welcome him into this temporary position.”
Many people posted more congratulations and well wishes for Ray. A few also posted their thoughts on how they believe Ray should be given the position as Madill Police Chief.
“Temporary? {SIC} just give it to the man,” another citizen posted on Facebook. “We all know he deserves it. He’s earned it.”
Another resident posted about Ray’s love for law enforcement.
“Congratulations, Officer Ray has been interested in law enforcement since he was a child, listening to the scanner and being involved with his late Father, a fireman and devoted city employee. Congratulations on his promo to Chief!”