Batesville police chief retiring from position on Tuesday

Colleagues share experiences with Holt

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Batesville Police Chief Stan Holt is retiring from law enforcement after a 32-year career on Tuesday. 

Holt joined the Batesville Police Department in 1992 and was named police chief in 2007. 

While his law enforcement days are coming to a close, he will move into a new role as the Assistant Buildings Commissioner for the City of Batesville. 

Mike Manus who will assume the role of Police Chief tonight.

Holt made a tremendous impact on the community and always treated people the right way, no matter the circumstance.

He credits his uncle, Tom Holt who worked as a police officer in Miami and Ripley County, for his assistance during his career.

Here is what colleagues say about Holt:

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel:

I first got to know Stan when he was a detective and working major investigations in Batesville. We tried several cases together, ranging from child abuse to child molesting and more of the serious crimes happening in the community. 

When he applied to be Chief, I recall recommending him and felt he was the right guy for the job. Even though I knew it meant he would no longer be investigating cases. 

What makes him a great investigator, as well as a police officer, is his people skills and empathy. Serving as Police Chief, I believe he has set a standard there and believe he will leave a legacy of professionalism with the department.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott:

I worked with Stan over the years on both the enforcement and investigation side, and he has always been the consummate professional, and an example of what a law enforcement officer should be. 

He never was looking for any accolades and was a great collaborator with other agencies, and a great partner in law enforcement.

Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp:

To me, Chief Holt is the epitome of a law enforcement professional—a cop’s cop if ever there was one. I have had the pleasure of working with him for over a decade and have always been impressed with his knowledge, diligence, decency, and integrity. As a criminal investigator, his ability was next to none. As the head of the Batesville Police, he set the standard for all of the officers in his command.

While I congratulate Stan and his family upon his retirement, it is a somewhat bittersweet sentiment because he will no longer be an active part of the local law enforcement community. Thankfully, Chief Holt has created a culture of professionalism and excellence at the Batesville Police Department and I have no doubt that it will continue to carry on, which is a credit to his leadership and many years of service.  He also leaves the department in very capable hands, and I look forward to continue working with incoming Chief Mike Manus.

Batesville Police Officer Jamie Straber:

To me, Chief Stanley Holt is not just a boss but a mentor and a friend. He taught me what it means to be a good police officer. He taught me that being a good police officer is more than tickets and jail. It is also about helping people and offering grace.

Throughout his career, he made a positive impact on not only his officers and the department but also many others in our community.

I want to congratulate Stan and his family on his retirement and let him know he will be missed.

Decatur County Sheriff Bill Meyerrose:

It was great knowing someone from a neighboring agency would drop everything when I called needing help. Stan has always been extremely professional and willing to help not only those in his community, but even in ours.

The City of Batesville:

One notable issue was the emergence of drug problems in 2010. Chief Holt and the police department, along with the city government, Batesville Community School Corporation, Margaret Mary Health, and other community organizations, joined forces to address the issue through education, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. 

A significant highlight of Stan's career was his invitation to the FBI National Academy in 2010. This prestigious 10-week program at Quantico, attended by top law enforcement officers worldwide, provided rigorous academic and physical training, broadening his expertise and perspective.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Stan's career has been his unwavering commitment to protecting children. He has always reminded himself ( as well as his fellow officers) that, in many cases, they, as the police officer, might be the only person in that child’s life who is solely there to protect them. He has been instrumental with several families to help protect children from abusers and ensure that the offenders were successfully prosecuted, in some cases ending abuse that had impacted several generations of those families. His determination to protect children has impacted the lives of many in our community.

When asked what advice he would give to a young person considering a career in law enforcement, Stan's response was clear: "This job is absolutely about having a servant's heart. To truly impact your community, you must have the heart of a servant."

Chief Stan Holt's legacy is one of service, integrity, and a deep love for Batesville. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his 32 years of unwavering dedication.