Head – Lone Grove names new police chief Sub – Ingle brings leadership, experience

Lone Grove has a new police chief that is a familiar face to area law enforcement officers. Keith Ingle took over his new duties on Aug. 8, taking over for James Hicks, who joined the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. "He was a great guy, did an awesome job for us," he said. "We hated to see him go. But, I think Keith will step in and pick up where he left off." Ingle was chosen from a pool of six candidates, that included in-house applicants. "We interviewed everyone of them, and he was our pick," Lone Grove City Manager Ian O'Neal said. "I would say 24 years of experience under his belt, with Ardmore PD as a captain and two years as undersheriff under Chris Bryant. "There was nobody that could touch him on the resume side as far as experience and training." O'Neal and Ingle have an extensive professional relationship that dates back to 1996 when they joined the Ardmore Police Department. O'Neal said they worked together on the street for 10 years. "I know him personally," he said. "He is a great guy, a great leader and a great mentor to younger officers. That is what we have, a lot of younger officers that will need that leadership. That will be very beneficial. "He is going to be an asset." Ingle said he has been staying busy, helping his father rebuild cars since he left sheriff's office. It will be eight years until his wife, Karen Ingle can retire from her job as the executive director for Southern Oklahoma Regional Disposal, Inc., and he was not ready to retire. "I have always been either third in command or second in command at the sheriff's office when I was there as undersheriff," Ingle said. "I just wanted to be the one in charge and try to go out and show people that I can do the top job and try to lead these guys. "Chief Hicks was doing a great job, and I have heard nothing but great things about him. I have a great stepping point, starting off right where he left off." As the chief, Ingle said he wants department officers to be more proactive and get out in the community. The department has an educational trailer that focuses on illegal drugs that is has been working on. It is funded by a grant and designed to taken to events such as Lone Grove Days. Ingle said the department also provides an school resource officer to the Lone Grove School District. That officer is Tommy Johnson, who was also with the Ardmore Police Department and brings a wealth of experience. "We have a very young department," he said. "I think the longest one who has been here seniority-wise has been here for three years. Then, getting Tommy here with his 17 years of experience helps. "We are going to be training. We will do a lot of in-house training, that way it doesn't cost the city a lot of money. I am a certified instructor, an advanced instructor. So, we will be able to bring a lot of classes here and have them in-house."