While publicly sudden, appearently he had been discussing the move with the city manager in confidence.
His departure marks the end of his thirty year career, that was capped with the long labor negotiations, that resulted in concessions from the police officers.
Citing the need to spend more time with his family, he’ll officially be off-duty starting on Saturday, just in time for Christmas.
From the San Jose Mercury News:
In a sudden move, Santa Clara’s police chief announced he’ll retire at the end of this week after more than 30 years of service.
In an e-mail he sent to the City Council, Steve Lodge said his last day of work will be Friday, Christmas Eve.
“It was time,” Lodge said. “It sounds a little cliched about wanting to spend more time at home with the family, but it’s pretty accurate.”
Read the full article here.