Retiring Chief Barlow recognized with city’s highest honor
Drake Sterling was officially sworn in as Carmel Chief of Police on Tuesday evening.
The public ceremony, held at The Tarkington Theater, was led by Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and open to all members of the Carmel community. In addition to the formal swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Finkam also recognized retiring police chief Jim Barlow for his dedication to the city by awarding him the Range Line Pioneer Award.
“As our city welcomes Chief Sterling, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Chief Barlow for his years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” Mayor Finkam said. “The transition represents a new chapter for our police department, and I am confident that Chief Sterling will build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to further strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community we serve.”
Chief Sterling joined the Carmel Police Department in February 2024 after serving in various roles with the Zionsville Police Department. During his career, Chief Sterling served in a SWAT capacity for more than 10 years as well as in Support Services, Investigations, and Uniformed Services.
“As I step into the role of chief of police, I am humbled and honored to serve this community,” Chief Sterling said. “My commitment is to lead with transparency, accountability and a deep dedication to fostering positive relationships between our police force and the residents we protect. Together, we will work tirelessly to create a safer, more inclusive environment, where collaboration and communication are paramount.”
Click here to see more photos from the event. (Photo provided by City of Carmel)
Retiring Chief Jim Barlow served the Carmel Police Department for more than 40 years. Barlow started with late-night shifts in the patrol division then moved from criminal investigations to special investigations with the department’s drug task force. During his career, he saw promotions from sergeant to lieutenant to major. He served in leadership roles in the patrol division and the support division, ultimately appointed to chief of police in 2017.
“It has been an honor to work alongside dedicated officers and witness the strength of our community partnerships,” Barlow said. “Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes and continually strived to make our city a safer place. The journey has been rewarding, and I am confident that the department will continue to thrive in its mission to protect and serve.”