BEAUMONT, Texas — After more than a dozen years as the city's top cop, Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary is retiring.
His last day will be March 31, 2024.
The official announcement was made Friday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2024, during a news conference at the police department.
Singletary has served in law enforcement in Southeast Texas for more than 50 years starting with the Beaumont Police Department in the 70s.
"I stand here with mixed emotions today as I announce my retirement from the Beaumont Police Department. A total of 53 years of dedicated service to law enforcement," Singletary said.
In September 2011 he was appointed to succeed longtime chief Frank Coffin who led the department from 2006 to 2011.
He began his career with the Beaumont Police Department and served for 30 years and supervised officers in narcotics and vice, SWAT, training, internal affairs, criminal investigation, and patrol.
Singletary made it his mission to disrupt the flow of guns, drugs and violent crime throughout the city. A highlight of his career is the success of Operation Ceasefire, a six month operation that Singletary called the largest in the department's history.
"Almost 900 traffic stops and not one major incident, that shows you my guys are doing a professional job," Singletary previously said.
Singletary then worked as the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Department of Justice, where he coordinated more than training conferences for law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District of Texas.
He moved to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in 2002 and supervised criminal investigation and warrant divisions, as well as the SWAT team there.
"I have lived and worked in Beaumont all my life, and it is a tremendous honor for me, my family and my friends that I was chosen for this position," Singletary said at the time.
His work left a lasting impression on City Manager Kenneth Williams.
"Chief was really serious about that," Williams said. "He dedicated resources from the department and people and time and energy and had a very successful program getting those guns off the streets."
Chief Singletary's leadership and unique sense of humor during tense situations earned the lasting respect of Mayor Roy West.
"He's always been approachable by everybody, he communicates well with everybody, and he never takes himself too serious. Laughter is often a very good medicine," he said.
Although he is happy to have reached the end of his career, Singletary says that he is also sad to be leaving his BPD colleagues.
"It's a tough time to leave, but at some point I've got to. I've just been doing it too long," he said. "It's tough to leave these guys...these men and women who do such a great job in this tough time."
Singletary left the sheriff's office at the rank of major to return to lead the Beaumont Police Department as Chief.
Those closest to him know he's earned the endless rounds of golf that are coming in retirement alongside his furry best buddy, Bozzy.
"I think a lot of my officers will miss Bozzy more than they'll miss me," Singletary said.
The city has not announced an interim at this time.
Chief Singletary released a statement about his retirement:
I have mixed emotions as I announce my retirement from the Beaumont Police Department, effective March 31, 2024, after a total of 53 years of dedicated service to Law Enforcement and 12 years as your Police Chief. This decision was not made lightly but after reflection and consideration, I believe the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter of my life. Throughout my time here, I have been inspired by the dedication and commitment of each member of this department. Our officers, staff, and community partners have demonstrated professionalism and resilience. I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your support, hard work, and shared vision for a safer community have been a driving force behind our successes. Together, we have built bridges of trust and collaboration that will endure long after I leave. As I retire, I leave the Beaumont Police Department in capable hands. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and community engagement will continue to guide this department forward. I have full confidence in the leadership team and every individual in the force. They will carry on the important work of serving and protecting our community. I say goodbye to the role of Police Chief, but not the relationships and memories created during my time here. Thank you, Beaumont, for the privilege and honor of serving as your Chief of Police. May we all continue to work towards a safer and more unified community.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.