Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Jeff Hinton has announced his retirement effective March 1.

The city released the information in a news release this morning.

Hinton, who announced his retirement Thursday, is a 30-year law enforcement officer and has spent most of his career with the city, the release notes.

He started his career as a patrol officer in 1981 and, except for a brief stint as a jailer with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, spent his entire career with the city.

He was appointed chief in 2008.

“Chief Hinton has served the city of Roanoke Rapids and law enforcement in general with honor and distinction,” City Manager Paul Sabiston said in the news release. “He was an experienced leader that could add stability and common sense to otherwise high pressure situations. He will be sorely missed.”

Hinton will remain in the Roanoke Rapids area and stay active and involved with community events.

Meanwhile, Sabiston will appoint Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek as interim chief starting March 1 until a new chief is hired.

Bondarek has indicated he does not plan to apply for the chief’s position but has offered, “gladly,” the release says, to be interim chief.

The city will begin to advertise for a new chief immediately.