Veteran Kane County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Pat Gengler has been promoted to deputy chief effective April 10, upon the retirement of 39-year veteran and present Deputy Chief Tom Bumgarner.

Gengler said he will continue as public information officer. In his new role, his primary responsibility will be to oversee the public safety operations side of the Sheriff’ Office.

Gengler has 22 years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office and has served in patrol, investigations (mostly narcotics work), office of professional standards, and administration. Since 2015, he has served as director of administration.

Gengler earned a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and has a master’ degree of Justice Administration from Norwich University. He attended the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

As public information officer, he provides sensitive and time-critical information to the press, public and staff on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, develops strategic communications and establishes timelines for internal and external press releases for public relations material, activities, and special events and acts as a spokesperson on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.

Bumgarner served as deputy chief since 2015. He is credited with technological advancements that has brought safety features to the men and women that patrol our communities.

A resolution passed by the Judicial and Public Safety Committee and awaiting a vote at the April 10 Kane County Board meeting commends Bumgarner for his “mentorship, humor, ‘psychology sessions,’ professionalism, energy, and determination to get the job done.”

RESOLUTION COMMENDING CHIEF DEPUTY THOMAS L. BUMGARNER FOR THIRTY-NINE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE KANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Deputy Chief Tom Bumgarner (left) with Sheriff Don Kramer (right).

WHEREAS, on April 10, 2018, Thomas L. Bumgarner, Chief Deputy, retires after thirty-nine (39) years of service in law enforcement with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, since his career began on June 10, 1979, Thomas Bumgarner has served in every position available at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, he steadily rose through the ranks until he was appointed Chief Deputy of Public Safety on December 1, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Bumgarner has sought out and worked through technological advancements that has brought safety features to the men and women that patrol our communities; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Bumgarner should be commended for the mentorship, humor, “psychology sessions,” professionalism, energy, and determination to get the job done; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Kane County Board recognize Thomas Bumgarner for his obedience to the profession of law enforcement, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the County of Kane and the citizens that he has served; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Kane County Board and the Chairman thereof, that we take great pleasure in commending Chief Deputy Thomas L. Bumgarner for the manner in which he has carried out his thirty-nine (39) years of service and responsibility to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the County of Kane.