After almost a decade of service, Chief S. M. Ford of the Sunset Valley Police Department publicly announced his retirement this morning. In a letter dated April 7, Ford attributed his departure to his desire to spend more time with his family. "For many years, I placed work before family," Ford said in the letter. "This, unfortunately, is not uncommon in our profession of law enforcement." Ford commended his colleagues for shifting the department's culture to focus more on community partnerships and relationship buildings over the last five years, particularly during the challenges of a "national change in policing." "Even with the changes, the values of our officers have remained the same, and I couldn't be more proud of their growth," he wrote. Until his position is filled, Lt. Rich Andreucci will serve as interim police chief. No timeline for establishing a permanent replacement was unveiled in the announcement. Ford thanked the City Administrator Clay Collins for his assistance through the transition, the City Council for his appointment and his colleagues for their confidence in his role as police chief over the years. After 25 years in law enforcement and nine years at the Sunset Valley Police Department, April 21 will mark the final day of Ford's tenure.