Image by City of North Charleston North Charleston's Police Chief Jon Zumalt

Chief Jon Zumalt of the North Charleston Police Department has announced that he will retire on January 31, 2013 after 11 years of service with the department.

Below is the official statment sent from Chief Zumalt to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summery:

This memo is to notify you of my decision to retire from my position as Chief of Police for the City of North Charleston. We have discussed my decision and have both agreed that January 31, 2013 is adequate notice for your planning.

l am grateful to you both personally and professionally for allowing me the privilege to serve as your Police Chief for the past 11 years. You have been an excellent boss, mentor and friend and you have allowed me the freedom to do my job to the best of my abilities. You and the City Council have supported me in good times and tough times and together we have made the City of North Charleston a safer place to live.

I leave you with a proud and professional police agency that has reduced crime and gained the trust and respect of the people that live and work in your City. I wish you, City Council, the Police Department and the City of North Charleston a prosperous future.

To read up on his entire career, visit the city of North Charleston's official bio of Chief Zumalt.