From left, Ava Police Chief Overcast and Capt. Butterworth are pictured when Butterworth was promoted to captain. Butterworth has since been appointed by the Ava City Council to succeed Overcast as chief of police following Overcast’s retirement Oct. 30.
AVA, Mo. — The Ava Police Department will see a change in leadership this fall, with Police Chief Overcast set to retire and Capt. Butterworth selected to take over the department.
According to an announcement from the Ava Police Department, Overcast’s retirement will become effective Oct. 30.
The Ava City Council has appointed Butterworth to serve as the city’s next chief of police.
Butterworth currently serves as a captain with the department and has worked in a leadership role alongside Overcast. Department officials cited Butterworth’s experience, dedication and commitment to the department and the Ava community as he prepares to step into the chief’s position.
“Chief Overcast leaves behind some very big shoes to fill, but we are confident that Captain Butterworth is up to the challenge,” the department said in announcing the transition.
The department described Overcast’s retirement as a bittersweet moment while congratulating Butterworth on his appointment and wishing Overcast well in retirement.
Additional information about the leadership transition and Butterworth’s official start as police chief may be released closer to Overcast’s Oct. 30 retirement date.
