Former BPD Cheif John Church Dies

John Richard Church, Boise’s longest serving Chief of Police, has died at the age of 83.
Church joined Boise police in 1954 and led the department's first tactical team. A BPD news release says he was appointed chief in January of 1968 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1983. During his 15 years as chief, the department grew from 60 officers to140 policemen.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Collister Community Church, 4709 W. State St., Boise.