March 14th, 2019
It is after many days of reflection and thoughtful consideration that I am giving this letter to serve as my official notice of my intent to retire from the Marengo Police Department. After serving four plus years in the United States Marine Corps and twenty nine years in law enforcement it’s time for me to start winding down. My last day of employment with the City of Marengo will be May 10th, 2019.
I want to take this time to thank the Mayor, the City Council, the City Administrator, and the citizens of Marengo for your trust and support in allowing me to serve the City of Marengo for the last 26 years. I also want to thank the men and women of the Marengo Police Department for their continuous support and dedication throughout my career.
In my 29 years of law enforcement; police work has evolved twenty fold, it has become at times, a thankless and extremely dangerous occupation. Many citizens don’t realize the sacrifices, danger, and family hardships involved in police work. I commend the officers for their willingness to put all that aside and be there for the citizens when called upon.
Working alongside the brave and devoted officers and non sworn personnel of the Marengo Police Department has truly been an honor that I will take with me for a lifetime. The men and women of the Marengo Police Department represent all that is good with this profession; I know they will continue to be the guardians for the citizens of this great community.
To my wife, children and granddaughter; thank you for being by my side throughout this long journey. I know I can never replace all the birthdays and holidays I’ve missed through out the years when duty called.
To the Mayor and City Council, words can’t even begin to express my gratitude for you allowing me to finish my career as your Chief of Police.
It is comforting for me to know that as I depart from my role as Chief of Police, the community is being left with a police department that is well equipped, trained, and ready to meet the needs of the community. I am proud to call Marengo my home for the last 26 years and honored to have been given the opportunity to serve and protect this wonderful city.
If you happen to be out on a lake down South and see someone wearing a Marengo Police ball cap and they’re cursing at the fish that just got off the line, feel free to pull up and say hi.
Sincerely,
Richard Solarz
Chief of Police, Marengo Police Department
