West Covina Police Chief Richard Bell announced Wednesday that he will be retiring at the end of December, completing a more than 25-year career in law enforcement.

Bell started working for West Covina in 1999 and rose through the ranks to become police chief in 2019.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for everything this organization has offered me during my career,” Bell said in a statement. “Working with such a great and committed team of professionals has been a true honor, and I have really enjoyed my time here.”Bell oversaw the implementation of body-worn cameras and the installation of flock cameras through the city. Under Bell the department brought back the overlap shift to deploy officers during peak hours, which reduces response time.

“His commitment to safety, fairness, and integrity has left a lasting impact on the West Covina Police Department and our community,” Mayor Brian Calderón Tabatabai said in a statement. “I wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his unwavering dedication to public service.”

The city named Bell acting police chief in 2019 after the firing of former chief Marc Taylor and soon after appointed Bell as the permanent police chief.

“In 2019, as our city faced challenging times, Chief Bell took on the position with dedication and commitment,” Mayor Pro Tem Tony Wu said in a statement. “Under his leadership, not only did department morale improve, but he also fostered unity within our ranks, strengthening the department’s sense of purpose and teamwork.”

Council members Letty Lopez-Viado, Ollie Cantos and Rosario Diaz all spoke glowingly of Bell’s impact on not just the police department but the community as a whole.

According to the city, Bell’s retirement will be effective Dec. 27. The city did not provide details of the search for Bell’s replacement but said that as Bell transitions into retirement the selection process would begin immediately.

“Chief Bell has been an awesome force for good, and his positive imprint on the Police Department will continue to be felt for many years to come,” Cantos said in a statement. “He cultivated strength and unity among the ranks and worked hard to ensure that law enforcement remains effective in promoting public safety.”