After nearly 41 years in law enforcement and almost 11 as the leader of the UCF Police Department, Chief Richard Beary announced that he will retire effective June 30, 2018. Below is the message he shared with UCFPD officers and staff members.
After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to retire from law enforcement on June 30, 2018.
I am proud to have served 41 years as a law enforcement officer and 11 years as Chief of Police for the University of Central Florida. I depart as the most tenured law enforcement executive in Central Florida, with over 25 years as chief.
My career has exceeded what I ever imagined when I put on a badge and gun as an 18 year-old patrol officer. I have been privileged to work side by side with incredibly dedicated and courageous men and women committed to their communities and this nation.
I have presented at the most prestigious law enforcement training programs in the world. I have survived numerous life threatening encounters and investigated far too many senseless acts of inhumanity. I have also witnessed countless acts of compassion by people from every walk of life to help those in need.
While serving as President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, I had the privilege to represent law enforcement officers before global leaders, members of Congress and the President of the United States.
My late father, Winter Park Police Chief Raymond E. Beary always stressed to his fellow chiefs: “Train the next generation of leaders – then step aside and give them the opportunity to step up and excel.”
Now it’s my turn to heed his advice.
I want to thank each of you for your support and encouragement during my service at UCF. I am proud of the team we have assembled to handle the multiple situations that arise at a metropolitan university like UCF. We provide outstanding services to the university community because of our individual and group commitment to excellence.
The selection process for my position will begin early next year.
Best wishes and happy holidays from my family to yours!
– Chief Richard Beary