Retired Douglas Chief of Police Charles E. Austin passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born July 10, 1949 in Clarksville, Texas to Charley and Ruth Austin. Chief Austin began his career in 1973 as a patrol officer for the City of Douglas. He was assigned as a patrol officer for 3 years, when in 1976 he was assigned to the Investigation Division as a Detective. In 1983, he was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant and in 1986 received the Douglas Police Department Employee of the Year. In 1990 he was promoted to Lieutenant within the police ranks. Later in 1990 he was appointed Chief of Police, where he managed the day to day activities of the Police Department and later moving the police station from City Hall on 10th Street to the old South West El Paso Train Depot, where the police department still remains. In 1998 he was awarded the City of Douglas Manager of the Year and City Manager's Award for Excellent Leadership. In 1999 he received the Outstanding Leadership and Commitment Award from the Governor's Commission on Violence against Women and in 2003 he received an award for his support for Victims of Domestic Violence by the House of Hope in Douglas. Chief Austin retired in July of 2007 after providing 34 years of dedicated service to the community. During his years of service as a Police Officer to the people of Douglas and surrounding areas, Retired Chief Austin participated in many other activities and was also an instructor at Cochise College. Retired Chief Austin obtained his Associate of Art Degree from Cochise College in 1975; he received his Certificate as a Certified Public Manager from Arizona State University in 1990, Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Phoenix in 1995 and his Master of Art Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in 2003. He attended many organizations and received numerous awards throughout his career, to include a life time membership with the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Life time member with the International Association of Chief of Police, FBI National Academy Associate and an Arizona Association of Chief of Police. Charles was preceded in death by his father, Charley M. Austin. He is survived by his Mother, Ruth E. Austin; his loving wife of 40 years, Celia; children Joseph "Pete" Austin (Imelda), Christopher Austin, Sarah Gaumer (Frankie), Sebastian Austin (Claudia); seven grandchildren Yasmin, Fabian, Isaac, Annelise, Jordan, Noah and Sofia. He is also survived by his brother, Dave Austin (Deni), niece, Jodi Escapule (Mark), nephew, Charlie Austin, grand-niece, Bailey and grand-nephews, Andrew and C.J. Chief Austin provided a life-time of service to this community, starting as he rose through the ranks at the police department; his influence over the students he taught at Cochise College; and his passion as a Pastor following his retirement. Chief Austin was a man of tremendous integrity whose legacy will live on through his family and through the service of the men and women who had the honor of having served with him. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the Arizona Army National Guard Armory, 1401 E 8th Street. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. May you Rest in Peace Chief.