Spencer Police Chief to retire
Veteran law enforcement officer Richard "Rich" Foutch recently announced his plans to retire at the end of June. Foutch has served as Chief of Police for the Spencer Police Department (SPD) for 17 years.
Foutch announced his intention to retire in a letter presented to the Spencer Town Council during its May 19 public meeting.
The letter was read aloud by SPD Sergeant Terry Sips at the request of Foutch, who indicated he would likely be overcome with emotion if he attempted to read it aloud himself.
"It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from my position as Chief of Police effective June 28, 2025," Foutch wrote. "After a long career in public safety that has spanned the past 35 years and has taken a toll on my body, I feel it is time to step aside and let someone else take over and hopefully lead this department into the future with renewed momentum and a fresh set of ideas."
Foutch has served the Town of Spencer and its citizens for a total of 21 years.
"I have done my best to assure the Town of Spencer has had an organized, efficient and professional police department manned with a group of dedicated officers that have assured its residents, businesses and visitors were safe, secure and protected while maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in the state," Foutch said in the letter dated May 19, 2025.
Foutch, a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), thanked the Town of Spencer for the opportunity to expand his career in law enforcement.
"I sincerely want to thank the Town of Spencer for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a police officer," Foutch said in the letter. "It just seems like yesterday I was patrolling my first shift with a shiny new uniform and fresh cut flat top. You always know at some point it will come to an end – I have seen a lot of good officers come through our doors and go on to become great officers, and I am extremely proud that I have played a part in that. As for me, I am looking forward to getting some rest, spending a lot more time on the golf course and letting my granddaughter boss me around. I leave you all with my deepest gratitude as it has been an amazing journey."
Foutch planned to meet individually with town council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip and Mike Spinks in the following days, with the process of selecting his replacement to begin thereafter.
Foutch's career in law enforcement began with the Cloverdale Police Department and later included serving more than four years as a deputy with the Owen County Sheriff's Department and two years as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Spencer-Owen Community Schools.
A graduate of the ILEA Police Chief Executive Training Course, Foutch was named Officer of the Year for the southern portion of Indiana by the Indiana American Legion in 2007 and was recognized as a Master Marshal by the Indiana Marshals' Association (IMA) in 2016.
The Town of Spencer will host a public retirement party for Foutch on June 28, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the In God's Arms (IGA) building, 95 W. Franklin St., in Spencer. Refreshments will be provided.
