Boise Police Chief Bill Bones will retire next month after 27 years with the department.
Bones has served as police chief since 2015 when Mayor Dave Bieter appointed him to the post.
Prior to that, he worked as deputy chief and also at times oversaw the patrol, criminal investigations and internal affairs divisions within Boise PD.
In a letter to the community, Bones says the city’s police department used to be viewed with suspicion – something he tried to reverse with an emphasis in community policing during his tenure.
He wrote that the city and its people will hold a special place in his heart. "I find it incredibly difficult to close the cover on a career I have loved, but I also recognize a Police Department in a rare moment, poised for its own transition to the next chapter. As difficult as it is to leave, this is the right moment."
You can read his entire letter here.
Bones says he and his wife plan to travel and see the world in retirement.
Former Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson will take over the department in an interim role while the city searches for a replacement.
Bones’ last day will be October 24.
Follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson for more local news.
Copyright 2019 Boise State Public Radio
