Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green, Wednesday, made his official announcement of retirement from his position. Green submitted a letter to the Mayor and City Council that was read by Mayor Dave Jones. The letter said in-part, “I will be retiring from the Atlantic Police Department effective December 28, 2016. I plan to take vacation from December 14th to December 28th, making my last actual working day the 13th of December.”

Green graduated from the Atlantic High School in 1977 and served three-years in the Marine Corps before beginning a career in law enforcement with the City of Harlan, in 1980. After working about 18 months, he took a job in Texas, working for the private sector. Green returned to law enforcement in August 1986, when he joined the Atlantic Police force, and worked his way through the ranks to become Chief in 2008. Altogether, he has 32-years experience in law enforcement. He spoke with reporters outside the Council Chambers after their meeting concluded, about the support he’s received from the Council. (Click on the left side of the audio bars to listen)

Green also spoke highly of his officers and staff on the Atlantic Police Department.

Steve Green choked up and turned around to leave the interview, as he spoke about what he would miss most about the job.

Soon, he will become Supervisor Green, taking a seat on the Cass County Board of Supervisors after winning the Primary and Nov. 8th General Election, during which he ran unopposed. In his letter to the Council, Green said he would “Especially like to thank those many, many citizens who have come forward in the past year to make it a point to show appreciation to the Atlantic Police Department. In a time when law enforcement has been under attack physically, politically and socially; many groups, and private citizens, have stepped forward with cards, letters and refreshments seeking to assure my officers that they have our backs in these difficult times.”

“These tokens of support,” said Green, “have been paramount in maintaining morale among the officers.” Succeeding Green as Chief of Police, will be Lt. Dave Erickson.