AMBOY — The City of Amboy said goodbye to its police chief on Friday.

Amboy Police Chief Jeff Blake officially retired from the Amboy Police Department on Friday after 27 years of service.

Blake posted a goodbye message to the citizen of Amboy on Facebook.

“Today marks the end of my law enforcement career after 27 years of service. I have decided to retire and relocate to Nevada. It has been my greatest honor to have served you. I hope that in some small way I have helped to make our community a better place to live, work and raise our children.

“I can not leave without publicly expressing my gratitude to many individuals who have impacted my career. I hesitate to do this as there are so many and I know I will leave someone out.

“I first must give thanks to almighty God for His guidance, grace and protection these past 27 years. To my parents, children and siblings for always understanding the hardship of being a police officer. To my father especially for providing me an example to follow.

“To Paul Smith for your patients, friendship and mentoring. All the officers I have worked with and supervised. You are all amazing professionals.

“To Henry "Hank" Gerdes, and the late James E. Powers for having confidence in me as a young officer and providing me the opportunity to begin my career. Over the course of time I have had the opportunity to work with many Mayor's and Council members. Mayor Schamberger has and is one of the most supportive Mayor's I have ever worked with. Thank you Mayor, this has made our job so much easier.

“My secretaries over the years have been amazing. Shirley Yentzer and Melisssa Simpson, I appreciate all you did for me.

“Darlene Hinkle, Melissa Eisenberg and Shelley Behrends....there are no words to express the amount of appreciation I have for what you do at City Hall. You have kept me organized all these years and I have not said thank you enough.

“As I prepare to depart our community, a place I have lived all of my life, I have confidence in the officers who remain in the department. Sgt. Terry Lester, Officer's Lisa Hart and Officer Joseph Alletto are professionals who will continue to pour their hearts into protecting this community.

“Finally, as a community, the safety and security of Amboy can not be left only to those who remain behind in the Police Department. Please continue to support them with your cooperation, tips, understanding, engagement in crime prevention and respect for others.

“Thank you all again for your support over the years,” Blake wrote.

“After 27 outstanding years serving our community, Police Chief Jeff Blake has officially retired from the department,” Amboy Mayor John Schamberger wrote on Facebook. “On behalf of the City Council I would like to thank Jeff and send him our best wishes as he moves to Nevada. Thank you for your service and Godspeed, Chief.”