Randy McKinley has been Bloomington Chief of Police since March of 2009.

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - Bloomington Police Chief Randy McKinley has accepted a new job as police chief in St. Charles, Mo.

McKinley said Wednesday his decision wasn't driven by the salary. In fact, he said the Missouri job is a pay cut.

"You've got to keep in mind that Illinois is a very heavy labor state and Illinois pays well. Specifically this part of the state, and we do very well here," he said.

McKinley said he feels he's not too old to do the job and wants to continue his career elsewhere.

"The reason I want to go somewhere else is because I love what I'm doing and because I've had such a successful time in Bloomington from the start," he said.

McKinley has been at the BPD since 1984. He was promoted to chief in 2009.

He has been candid about his job search since news first broke last year that he was a top candidate for a similar job in Texas, and said he would be happy to help Bloomington City Manager David Hales with the search for a replacement.

"I hope to be involved in the process but it is a process that's up to David to name and I'm sure he'll take input from the Council and certainly from me," McKinley said.

McKinley's last day will be Jan. 18. He starts in Missouri on Jan. 21.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.

Eric Stock and Beth Whisman contributed to this report.