After threatening to do it several times, Gering Police Chief Mel Griggs submitted his letter of resignation and retirement to the city council last night…effective March 1st.  He says he’s stepping down now because his financial adviser said he could finally afford to do it.

Griggs has been the chief of police in Gering for the past 23 years and in law enforcement for 45 including 20 years in the Scottsbluff police department and 18 months as a Goshen County, Wyo, Sheriff’s deputy…and admits he’ll will miss the people and excitement of being a policeman.

As for what life will hold for him after March 1st, Griggs says he doesn’t know much except that he’s looking forward to simply relaxing with his wife and riding his bike daily. He’s open to whatever life brings, but is intrigued about some type of work with young people.  Griggs says he likes being comfortable, so he’s staying in Gering and not moving to be closer to his son’s family in Tennessee.

Gering City Administrator Lane Danielzuk plans decide sometime in March whether to fill the chief’s job from within the department or open the process to outside candidates as well.

He won’t name an acting chief, choosing instead to split the duties between the department’s two captains…Patrol Captain Jason Rogers and Investigation Captain George Holthus…giving them “an opportunity to shine and develop a foundation to look first internally to fill the position.”

Danielzuk says Rogers and Holthus will work Griggs during his final month to “get the benefits from the Chief’s experience” in managing the department.