Police Chief Brett Stone has announced his retirement from the Winfield Police Dept., less than a year after being named to the job full time.
Stone has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement. His last day will be Aug. 24.
Police Lt. Robbie Delong has been appointed to serve as interim police chief once Stone departs, city manager Jeremy Willmoth said through a written statement. There had been little indication Stone was considering retirement.
“It came as a total surprise to us,” Willmoth said when reached for comment this evening.
In a statement released by the city Stone said:
“To the citizens of this wonderful city I would say I’m appreciative and thankful for the
opportunity to serve under great mentors throughout my career and to have the opportunity to be the Chief of Police.
I’ve always been proud to be an employee of the City of Winfield. Getting the opportunity to
work with so many great people in the city has been a blessing.”
Stone said his proudest accomplishments in police work were: “The ability to make a positive difference in someone’s life as a police officer. I am also proud of watching new and young officers learn and grow into fantastic police officers proudly serving their community”.
“Chief Stone has been a great leader to the police department and the City of Winfield. We will miss his experience and advice,” Mayor Greg Thompson said. “We wish him the best in his retirement.”
The city commission offered their thanks to Stone for his service.
“Chief Stone has served his community well with honor and distinction. He will be missed, but we wish him well in his well-deserved retirement,” Willmoth said.
Stone served as an interim chief of police multiple times during his career. He was most recently named interim chief in May of 2017 when Danny Parker retired.
Stone was named to the job full time in August of last year.
