Florence police chief to retire after 27 years of service

Florence Police Chief Tom Szurlinski announced he will retire from the police department effective April 1.

In a statement Szurlinski said he felt honored to serve the community where he lived.

“I appreciate the Florence community in all it has done to assist the police department during my career,"Szurlinski said.

He has served 27 years with the department. He lead the department for the past seven years and worked as assistant chief, sergeant, dectictive and patrol during his career.

Florence Mayor Diane Whalen said the police chief’s leadership will be missed.

“Tom Szurlinski has accepted every challenge he has been given,” Whalen said. “I amappreciative of his hard work, dedication, and love for the community he calls home.  While his retirement will leave a void, it is because of his leadership and efforts as well as those of the entire department, that I am confident our city will continue to be provided with the very best there is in policing.”

Szurlinski said he plans to spend time with his wife Debbie and daughter Heather before exploring other opportunities. 

There was no immediate announcement as to who would replace Szurlinski in the police department.