Police Chief Smith to retire Aug. 31

Libby Police Chief James Smith has announced his intention to retire, effective Aug. 31. Smith has served with the department for 11 of his 25 years in law enforcement.

In a letter to Mayor Doug Roll dated July 23, Smith announced his intention to retire and said his time in Libby is the highlight of his career.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve the City of Libby as the Police Chief,” Smith wrote. “I will consider this experience as the highlight of my law enforcement career. Your encouragement, trust and confidence in me to perform the duties of police chief were a key element to my success. I will always reflect back upon my tenure with the Libby Police Department as a rewarding and fulfilling experience.”

Mayor Roll said he was not surprised by Smith’s retirement, as they had discussed the possibility of it more than a year ago. He praised Smith’s work as police chief.

“I hate to see him go,” Roll said. “I really do. He’s been a very, very good police chief. We all knew this was coming, but we still hate to see him go.”

Councilman Brent Teske served with Smith in the Libby Police department. Teske was Smith’s supervisor during the early part of Smith’s tenure in Libby as a patrolman, when Teske was Patrol Sergeant. When Teske left to work in Afghanistan, Smith was promoted to Sergeant, which resulted in Teske working for him upon his return.

“I’ve known him for quite a while now. We’ve worked together and we’re part of the Roughnecks Motorcyle Club together,” Teske said. “I hate to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck.”

Councilwoman Dejon Raines also expressed her appreciation for Smith’s service to the community.

“I just commend him for his service to our community,” she said. “I’m sad to see him go, but excited for him as he begins this new phase of his life.”

Smith said he will be returning to his hometown of Reno, Nev., after he retires.

“It was a good run here,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my entire time here in Libby. But my grandkids and all of my kids except the youngest are in Reno. I was born and raised there, so I’m going home.”

Smith’s retirement will be effective at 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2015.