Boulder (Colo.) Police Chief Mark Beckner announced his retirement effective April 1 after 36 years as a Boulder police officer, according to a department press release.

Beckner joined the department in 1978 as a patrol officer, became a detective, sergeant, hostage negotiator, commander, including commander of the SWAT team, and, in 1998, was selected as Boulder’s police chief.

"It has been a privilege and an honor to serve Boulder," said Beckner. "Over the past 36 years, we’ve covered a lot of ground from riots to Presidential visits, but what I will treasure most is the interactions and support from the community as we faced tragedies and celebrated successes together.

"Boulder has been a very rewarding career," he said. "I am very appreciative to have served with so many fine men and women who helped build a strong, honorable department. And while it’s difficult to close this final chapter of a long and exciting career in law enforcement, I know that the department is in very capable hands, and I’m looking forward to new opportunities in my future."