Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis is retiring, effective May 30.
He'll be missed, said Mayor Linda Holmes, but after working for the CPD for 24 years, beginning as a patrolman, Chief Travis said it's time to try other things.
Chief Travis, 50, was eligible for retirement a year ago-one of the reasons he ran for Schoharie County Sheriff against incumbent Tony Desmond.
"And now I'm a year beyond that," he said Monday. "I've got some other opportunities I want to pursue."
Chief Travis started his career at the Cobleskill PD as a part-time officer while attending the police academy, became a full-time officer in 1993, a sergeant seven years later, and chief, a position he's held for the past four years.
"It's bittersweet to be leaving," Chief Travis said. "I love what I do and I love policing. There were some hurdles, but we got through them and the community's been great. It's been a wonderful experience."
The Cobleskill Village Board expected to meet in executive session last night, Tuesday, to discuss Chief Travis' replacement and he said he hopes they'll promote from within the department.
Mayor Holmes said she hopes so too adding that Chief Travis will be hard to replace.
"It's sad to see Larry leave, but I'm proud that he's served the department so well for so many years, starting as a young patrolman and working his way up the ladder," she said.
"I thank him for his passion and dedication to the community...and look forward to his next chapter."