Juan Herrera

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Prince William County Police Chief Barry Barnard has announced that he plans on retiring from the department on July 1.

@PWCPolice Chief Barry Barnard announced plans to retire from the Police Department. Chief Barnard was selected as the fourth police chief in 2016 following a nationwide search. Chief Barnard’s last day is scheduled for July 1, 2020.
Read more here: https://t.co/ArQhDSDU9H pic.twitter.com/JMa1bzA4Em

— Prince William County (@pwcgov) May 13, 2020

He has served in the department since 1976 and was later selected as police chief in 2016 following a nationwide search.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Prince William County. My family and I are grateful for the opportunities and support that Prince William County has provided to us,” Barnard said in a press release from the police department. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the staff of the Police Department for their friendship, dedication, and outstanding service to the community. I will miss them very much.”

According to the release, Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps will serve as the acting chief once Barnard retires.

The department also indicated that there will later be a national search to fill the position.

Copyright 2020 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Prince William County Police