By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – Outgoing Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner says he expects the transition to a new chief–whoever it is–will be smooth.

Heffner leaves the department Friday after five years as chief to become U.S. Marshal for Central Illinois. He is scheduled to be sworn in to his new position on Monday in Peoria.

Heffner said the Bloomington officers and staff are highly qualified and will continue to do good work.

“I’ve tried to manage in a way that I could walk out that door at any time and that department would still function,” Heffner told WJBC’s Susan Saunders. “People need not worry. It is in very good hands because we have a good solid team.”

Heffner said his advice to the next chief is to remember that skill level and the community it serves.

“Let them work, because they work very well,” Heffner added. “I always thought my job was to get them the tools that they needed, but obviously whoever sits in that chair after me needs to keep up with the community relations.”

Heffner did not say who would be named interim or permanent chief, but said he has tried to develop a succession plan while managing the department.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].