La Vergne Police Chief Mike Walker announced his upcoming retirement at the Thursday night Board of Mayor and Aldermen workshop. His last day will be Sept. 7.

Walker was sworn-in in August 2011. He was recently retired from the Tennessee Highway Patrol after serving there for 33 years and earning the rank of colonel.

"My love, care, and devotion to each of you has not diminished, nor will it ever," Walker said. "The nine years I have spent with you have been some of the best of my life… [this job] has given me the opportunity to work along-side some of the best and most competent law enforcement professionals I have ever known."

"It breaks my heart to see him go but we all have lives to live and families to love on," says Mayor Jason Cole. "I wish nothing but the best and will cherish the time we’ve had together over the years."

"Chief Walker will be greatly missed. He is an outstanding leader and has had a tremendous impact to everyone in the city, including me," says City Administrator Bruce Richardson. "He has made many needed changes to the Police Department over the years and the city is much better because of it. We will begin the process of choosing an interim chief to lead the department through this transition period."