Broomfield Police Chief Gary Creager will retire from his position in early 2022, the city announced Thursday.

In an open letter, Creager, 61, said he believes he will be leaving the police department in the best place to ensure continued high level of service after he is gone.

“It is with both tremendous gratitude for the past seven years, and with excitement for the future, that I announce my plans to retire,” the letter read. “I am extremely proud of the BPD, and I take great pride in being a part of this wonderful city and county.”

Creager has served as Broomfield’s chief of police since 2014. Last month, he celebrated 40 years of working in law enforcement.

He said he has worked to reinforce the cultural foundation of the police department and develop the department’s relationship with the Broomfield mayor, city manager’s office and city council.

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Creager’s last day will be Jan. 11, 2022. Over the next seven months, Creager, the police department, and the city and county of Broomfield will work to select a new chief of police, officials said.

Creager said he hopes his early announcement will allow ample time to recruit, evaluate and select the police department’s next leader – a process he said will take at least five months to complete.

“I am beyond thankful for every moment of my years in Broomfield,” Creager said in his letter. “I will continue to serve with the same dedication and commitment in the upcoming months to ensure a thoughtful and smooth transition for the next leader of the Broomfield Police Department.”

Anyone interested in the position should send inquiries to bpd@broomfield.org, officials said.