Police Chief Close to Retire
Bradford City Police Chief Mike Close is retiring Wednesday after being accused of assaulting a woman early Sunday morning.
State police say Close hit 36-year-old Amy Baker, causing minor injuries to her lower lip. Close then left the scene, but later turned himself in at District Judge Rich Luther's office, where he was arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment. He's free on $5,000 bail.
Mayor Tom Riel told WESB and The HERO this morning that he's in no hurry to name a new chief, and it could be weeks if not months before a new chief is in place.
Close has been with the city police department for 20 years and has been chief since January 7, 2008.
Under his leadership, the department set up the Emergency Response Team, Street Crimes Unit and an anonymous tip line. He also helped the department get grant money for equipment including tasers, cameras, a polygraph machine, Segways and breathalyzers.
Close was also instrumental in making Bradford's National Night Out city-wide instead of a neighborhood event.
State police say Close hit 36-year-old Amy Baker, causing minor injuries to her lower lip. Close then left the scene, but later turned himself in at District Judge Rich Luther's office, where he was arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment. He's free on $5,000 bail.
Mayor Tom Riel told WESB and The HERO this morning that he's in no hurry to name a new chief, and it could be weeks if not months before a new chief is in place.
Close has been with the city police department for 20 years and has been chief since January 7, 2008.
Under his leadership, the department set up the Emergency Response Team, Street Crimes Unit and an anonymous tip line. He also helped the department get grant money for equipment including tasers, cameras, a polygraph machine, Segways and breathalyzers.
Close was also instrumental in making Bradford's National Night Out city-wide instead of a neighborhood event.
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