Crosby Police Chief Drennan to retire

The city of Crosby will be looking for a new police chief before the end of January.

Current Police Chief John Drennan submitted a letter of resignation to the Crosby City Council Monday, saying he is ready to retire from the position he's held for almost 11 years.

"I've been a cop for 24 years. It's time to go on to different things and find something else to do," said Drennan, 54, in a telephone interview this morning. His last day will be Jan. 31.

Drennan has had to face several controversial issues this past year.

After months of debate the city council in July voted to eliminate the police dispatch center by Nov. 1. The elimination of the dispatch center was proposed to help offset a reduction in local government aid the city received from the Legislature. He also was named a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed by a former part-time Crosby police officer.

Drennan said while the closing of the dispatch center played a small part in his decision to retire, he'll be leaving with no bitter feelings.

"I have nothing against the city council or the city, it was just time to go," said Drennan. "I'm 54. I'll be 55 when I retire. It's time to get someone with new ideas in here."

Drennan said he agreed to stay on until Jan. 31 so the council could start the process of hiring a new chief.