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Sioux Falls Police Chief Announces Plans To Retire This Fall

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The second-longest serving police chief in Sioux Falls history has announced he is retiring from his position.

Chief Doug Barthel announced Wednesday at a press conference that he will step down in October to take a position with Sanford Health.

Barthel began with the department in 1986 and was named chief in May 2003. He says deciding to leave was “extremely difficult.”

The 52-year-old chief will become the director of community relations and public policy for Sanford’s health care system.

He says his last day in the department will be Oct. 16. He will join Sanford in December.

Mayor Mike Huether says the city will immediately begin seeking a replacement for Barthel.