Leffingwell’s security officer retires

Austin Police Cpl. Mike Bowen, known to many as the man most likely to be providing security for former Mayor Lee Leffingwell for the last several years, called it quits Thursday. Bowen said he was retiring after 26 years with APD and four prior years in the Army. His new job is security director for Aegis Innovations. Bowen, a former vice president of the Austin Police Association, is known for his calm demeanor. Leffingwell, who was on his way to play golf when contacted Thursday, remarked, “Mike Bowen has had a long and distinguished career with APD. … I thoroughly enjoyed working with him … he’s very competent.” Noting that Bowen had any number of angry citizens to deal with in his job, Leffingwell added, “He’s better at handling people than anybody I’ve ever known.” We don’t know how many angry citizens Bowen will encounter in his new post, but we’re sure he’s up for it. Cpl. Paul Kaderli will join Officer Louie Carmona in providing security for Mayor Steve Adler.