BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- The city's police chief and one of his highest-ranking officers announced their retirements Friday. "With regret, as well as anticipation, I have decided to retire from the Hamilton Police Department," says Chief Simon A. Fluckiger's written statement.
Chief Fluckiger, who did not immediately return a request for an interview Friday, is retiring to accept a position as inspector for Butler County Prosecutor John F. Holcomb.
Also retiring is Capt. Darrell L. Philpot, administration and services commander.
Both retirements are effective June 6.
Chief Fluckiger has headed the department for the past five years, capping nearly 30 years on the force.
Under his leadership, the department has increased its authorized strength from 105 to 116 officers, implemented the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and modernized its equipment.
By the time his retirement takes effect, Capt. Philpot will have completed 33 years of service.
He became a patrolman on June 5, 1965, and was promoted to detective eight years later.
In 1978, he was promoted to sergeant; to lieutenant in 1983; and to captain a year later, initially assigned as operations commander before being assigned to his current post.
