Great Bend Police Chief David Bailey is retiring after 45 years of service to the city, City Administrator Kendal Francis announced at Monday night’s city council meeting. His last day will be December 18.

Bailey was appointed to the position by the city council in December 2017 following the resignation of previous chief Clifton Couch. Prior to his appointment to the position, Bailey had been employed as a lieutenant in the GBPD, and had been with the department for almost 40 years.

At Monday night’s meeting, Francis congratulated Bailey on his years of service, and wished him well in his retirement.

Francis told the council the city will begin the search for Bailey’s successor through both statewide professional journals and local publications beginning Tuesday.

Bailey released the following statement regarding his upcoming retirement Tuesday morning thanking his co-workers and the community:

“After 45-plus years of service to the City of Great Bend and the community, I have decided to retire. It is never a good time to quit a job that you enjoy. 

“I am excited about my impending retirement but wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone both past and present for all the opportunities that I have experienced working for the City of Great Bend. I have genuinely enjoyed my employment as an employee with the city over the past 45 years.

“Again, I have truly enjoyed working for the City of Great Bend and will miss my coworkers. I want to also thank the community for their support during my career. I wish everyone nothing but the best for the future.”