The “interim” tag can be removed from Travis Gray’s title.

Kingfisher city commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to approve Gray as the new chief of the Kingfisher Police Department.

Gray had been serving as interim chief since May when then-Chief David Catron retired.

Monday’s move came during the commission’s August regular meeting.

Vice Mayor Jeff Wittrock made the motion to approve Gray as chief and it was seconded by Debbie Burpo.

Also voting in favor were Mayor Geoff Covalt and Dawn Taylor.

Kyle Mecklenburg was not present at the meeting for that agenda item, but did attend and vote on other items on the agenda.

The vote was made on the recommendation of City Manager Jim Thomas, who had been evaluating Gray since he was promoted from assistant chief to interim chief.

However, Thomas said the recommendation was far from his alone.

Thomas said he received letters of recommendation for Gray from Catron, retired former Chief Dennis Baker and retired former Assistant Chief Jeff Townsend.

“And I have had letters of support from members of the Kingfisher community,” Thomas said. “These letters and recommendations came prior to Chief Catron’s retirement.”

Thomas said the evaluation period gave him reassurance Gray was the right person for the position.

“I have had the pleasure of working directly with Travis over the last 100 days,” Thomas said. “During our time together, we have passed the municipal budget, recruited for two vacancies in the department, dealt with panhandlers, citizens complaints and drifters, all with professionalism.

“He has demonstrated to me he has the leadership skills to lead the police department as we navigate the challenges facing Kingfi sher.”

A Kingfisher High School graduate, Gray has spent more than 17 years with the Kingfisher Police Department and was with the Okarche Police Department for seven years prior to that.

Thomas also made note of Gray’s military combat experience as he served during “Operation Provide Comfort II” in Silopi, Turkey.

Simply put, Thomas said, Gray has several attributes that make him a quality selection for police chief.

“Travis is vested in Kingfisher, having lived and raised his family here and is committed to the highest standards of police ethics,” Thomas said. “I have found him to be an open communicator, not only in the police department but with the citizens and other city departments.

“He has an easy police style as he interacts with citizens and business leaders. He will be a great asset to the organization and I look forward to continuing work with Travis as we improve the quality of life for the Kingfisher community.”