Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz on Friday night announced his retirement from the department’s top job.
“After weeks of soul searching and getting through a successfully unified and pride-filled weekend of addressing protests in our city, I felt this was the optimal time to notify city management of my decision to retire,” Metz said in a Facebook post. “After 36 story-filled years in law enforcement, making the decision to retire was incredibly difficult.”
.@APDChiefMetz thank you for your leadership, dedication and service to our community. While we are excited for your next chapter in life, we are saddened to see you go.
Please see a special message from @APDChiefMetz to our agency and community:
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
Before becoming the Aurora chief, Metz worked in Seattle for over 30 years. He will leave the Aurora job at the end of the year.
“As in any law enforcement agency you have your ups and downs. You have laughter and tears,” Metz said in his post. “But, I can honestly say that through all the challenges, I’ve never been more proud to be part of an organization of women and men, sworn and career service, who are incredibly dedicated to serving this great city.”
Metz was tapped to be Aurora’s top cop in January 2015, becoming the city’s first African-American police chief.
“People would sometimes ask how long I plan to stay at APD. My typical response was ‘when it stops being fun,’ ” he said. “But, as I thought more about that answer, I realized that if I waited until its no longer fun, then I would likely leave feeling bitter. Thatap not for me.”
Metz on Facebook that will keep him plenty busy. He plans to continue to live in Aurora with his wife Sara.
Metz thanked the officers who served with him, the city and residents he served.
“Finally, take good care of yourselves and each other,” he said on Facebook.
