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Glendale announces retirement of Police Chief Chris Briggs

Glendale police cars in 2019.
Matthew Casey/KJZZ
Glendale police cars in 2019.

The city of Glendale says its police chief is retiring at the end of February after 32 years on the force.

In a statement on Thursday, Glendale Police Chief Chris Briggs alluded to an opportunity that made it the “perfect time” to step aside.

He joined Glendale police in 1992 and held various jobs from patrol officer to special operations. Briggs was first made interim chief in 2019.

At the helm, he oversaw the implementation of a Real Time Crime Center and management of major public safety events, like the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four

City Manager Kevin Phelps says Briggs “leaves behind an incredible legacy of leadership and innovation.”

Assistant Chief Colby Brandt will be interim police chief until the city finds a permanent replacement.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.