TOLEDO -- His tenure as chief of police has been the third longest in history. But Thursday morning, Toledo Chief of Police Mike Navarre announced he will be retiring from the department he has served for 34 years.
Navarre's retirement will be effective October 21.
Chief Navarre was appointed to the Toledo Police Department on July 12, 1977. He has served twice as chief, first appointed by mayor Carty Finkbeiner to the chief's position in May 1998 when Chief Gerald Galvin resigned to become chief of police in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was briefly demoted to deputy chief in 2006 when Carty Finkbeiner started his third term as mayor, but returned to the chief's position in July 2006 when Chief Jack Smith resigned abruptly.
Toledo has had 27 chiefs of police since 1867. Chief Navarre is the third longest serving chief, having served for 13 and a half years in the position.
During his tenure as cheif of police, Chief Navarre implemented the Retired Senior Volunteers on Patrol (RSVP) program in 2000, created a Crisis Intervention Team, and acquired a police helicopter. In 2003, the Toledo Police Department became nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The number of Block Watch groups in the city of Toledo nearly tripled during his time as chief.
"Chief Navarre has provided the Toledo Police Department with steady leadership for the last 13 years," said Mayor Bell. "It was a pleasure to serve with him as Fire Chief and a relief to know I could count on him as Mayor."
Mayor Michael Bell has appointed Deputy Chief Derrick Diggs to lead the department and send his nomination to Toledo City Council for approval. Diggs joined the department in 1977 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2001. He has led various divisions within the department.
Mike Navarre has had a long career as a Toledo cop and as Chief of Police. What do you think of what he's done with the department? How will Mike Navarre be remembered?
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