Jerry Smith to retire as Springfield police chief
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Jerry Smith joined the Springfield Police Department in 1973. Since 1999, he has served as chief, leading a department that successfully persuaded voters to build and fund a municipal jail to help combat crime.
Smith plans to retire effective may 1, 2013, the City of Springfield said Tuesday.
"It is my conviction that there is no greater community to have served, nor finer, caring individuals with whom I have had the privilege to work beside," Smith said. "It is now time for a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the police department."
The Springfield Police Department has an annual budget of $19 million, with a staff of 118, including 81 officers.
The city plans to launch a search for a new chief. But first, city officials took the opportunity to laud the veteran police officer.
"Jerry is a visionary leader who has had a dramatic positive impact on the lives of those in our community," City Manager Gino Grimaldi said. "A tireless worker, he placed the needs of our community in front of his own. He will be greatly missed, but he has earned an opportunity to spend more time with his family."
"Jerry worked hard to build relationships with members of our community and we have all benefited from his dedication," said Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg.
Smith is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He holds both bachelor and master degrees from the University of Oregon as well as an associate degree from Lane Community College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Another turning point;Â
A fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist;Â
Directs you where to go..
so make the best of this task and don't ask why
it's not a question, but a lesson learned in time...
It's something unpredictable
But in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.....
@TySteeleNEWS wow! Tell him well wishes from me!
Will do! RT @KATUMeghan wow! Tell him well wishes from me! MT We'll miss you Jerry Smith! Springfield Police Chief is set to retire.
A long time and a man of integrity. Hope your health is good and that you have many good years in retirement. There are not enough of your kind left. Hope you rubbed off on a few.
He has changed the SPD from when he first arrived. Their motto then was sometimes referred to as "Take No Prisoners". They had several cases reversed on appeal because the officers seemed to ignore the Constitution.  The Chuck Haynes homicide conviction was one of the most notable of that era.