Mayor Steve Stockton and City Manager David Hales presented Chief Randy McKinley and his wife Renee with a token of appreciation at Monday's city council meeting. (photo by Zach Dietmeier/WJBC)

By Zach Dietmeier

BLOOMINGTON - City officials are officially bidding farewell to Police Chief Randy McKinley.

City Manager David Hales and Mayor Steve Stockton presented McKinley with a special award commemorating his 28 years of service at Monday's city council meeting. Hales said McKinley's vision and sense of community will not be easy to replace.

"Randy has really brought an increased appreciation for our neighborhoods in the work of not only our chief of police but the whole police department," Hales said.

McKinley has been chief for the last four years. The veteran law enforcer reflected on his time with hopes that everyone will understand his departure.

"There's rumor out there for why I'm leaving," McKinley said. "I'm leaving because it's time and I know that. It's time to hand it off to somebody else. I've got a great place I'm going and I hope I'm received as well there as I have been here."

McKinley's final day is Friday when he will leave to become the police chief in St. Charles, Mo.

Hales had high praise for the retiring McKinley. his wife Renee, and their two children.

"We're not only losing a police chief and his partner but a tremendous family that has really prided themselves in being part of this community and helping this community," Hales said. "He leaves behind a very significant legacy that is going to be very hard to replace."

McKinley implemented the Problem-Oriented Policing philosophy in 2009 and since crime rates have dropped drastically. The POP focuses on working together with city, state, and federal agencies and partnering with neighborhood citizens and organizationsto focus for a deeper solution.

McKinley wishes his department the best.

"It's been a great ride for 28 and a half years, and every minute counts," McKinley said. "I just appreciate everything the City of Bloomington has done for myself and my family."

A farewell reception will be held on Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the police department.

Zach Dietmeier can be reached at zach.dietmeier@cumulus.com.