Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Fayetteville police chief to retire
FAYETTEVILLE — Police Chief Greg Tabor submitted a letter of resignation Monday to Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
Tabor’s service is limited to 35 years under the state’s retirement system for law enforcement and firefighters. Tabor, 55, will reach that milestone this year.
Deputy Chief Mike Reynolds will serve as interim chief until Jordan makes a final decision on the position.
Tabor for months has acknowledged his pending retirement in public. His last day at work will be Sept. 20.
Tabor spent a year when he was 18 years old as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Eureka Springs and about three years with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He joined Fayetteville police in 1985.
Tabor said he grew up around law enforcement and had friends who influenced his decision early to make the leap from fire to police service.
“Obviously, I’m a creature of habit. I’m not much to jump around,” he said. “So here we are 34 years later and it seems like about 20 years at the most.”
Former Mayor Dan Coody promoted Tabor to police chief in 2006. Jordan re-affirmed Tabor’s position after Tabor served a brief stint as acting chief when Jordan took office in 2009.
Tabor said he may be retiring from the department, but he’s not ready to embrace retirement life.
“That’s not my intention as I sit here today,” he said. “But, change is good. Thirty-four years is a long run. Being chief 13 years is a long run.” Tabor added he was unsure what the future may have in store.
Jordan said in a statement he could depend on Tabor to be dedicated, conscientious, straightforward and collaborative with the administration. Tabor quickly answered any call to deal with challenging, serious and complex situations, Jordan said.
Tabor’s calm demeanor made him a solid fit for the department, city administration and residents, Jordan said.
“Chief Tabor has made the Fayetteville Police Department one of the most progressive and responsive police departments in the state,” Jordan said. “It has been an honor to work with him and as much as I will miss him, I know that the great tradition of the Fayetteville Police Department will be maintained because of the foundation Chief Tabor has established.”