Ron Wilkins

rwilkins@jconline.com

LAFAYETTE, Ind. —Travis L. Dowell, Tippecanoe County sheriff's newest lieutenant, is proof that second chances exist.

The February promotion of Terry Ruley to captain of patrol left a lieutenant's position vacant, and the sheriff department's merit commission promoted Dowell to lieutenant Friday from a field of three candidates.

Dowell has been with the sheriff's office for 24 years. He said he was humbled by the promotion and is grateful that the sheriff's office and its merit commission appreciate his work. Dowell had been promoted in October to sergeant.

He will command one of the department's patrol night shifts, according to a statement published by the sheriff's office.

This is the second time that Dowell has served as a lieutenant on the department.

In February 2009, Dowell was a lieutenant with the sheriff's office when deputies were called to his home in Clarks Hill. He got into a fight with his daughter, and a special prosecutor later charged Dowell with felony charges of battery and strangulation, as well as a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.

Dowell completed a deferment program in October 2010, and the charges were dismissed.

In 2009, Dowell was demoted to sergeant, but Dowell voluntarily demoted himself back to deputy, according to Journal & Courier news reports.

Asked about his last eight years, Dowell said, “I just kept coming to work and doing what they asked of me.

"My heart’s always been in law enforcement, and I’ve always cared about the people of Tippecanoe County.”

Joe Bumbleburg, a member of the merit commission, said the commission knew of Dowell's past.

"He's earned his way back," Bumbleburg said. "We think Travis has proven he can be a good citizen and is a good officer."

“The guy took his penalties in those days and has grown out of it nicely,” Bumbleburg said.

J&C breaking news reporter Ron Wilkins can be reached at 765-420-5231; follow on Twitter @RonWilkins2