COVINGTON — After more than two years of speculation that Covington Police Chief Albert Bosse would retire, it became official Friday afternoon. He will leave the post on Sept. 30, according to Covington Mayor Butch Callery.

        Chief Bosse, who was vaulted to the helm of the department when he was 49, in early 1995, is a 34-year veteran of the force.

        The chief couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

Bosse

        But a cover letter he wrote for his department's annual report in May reads like a draft of his retirement speech. e Chief Bosse outlines successful initiatives he launched.

        “Last October the DEA accepted my invitation to join with the Department's Safe Street Task Force in an initiative to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” Chief Bosse wrote. “The accomplishment of this joint venture to eradicate drug sales and the collateral crimes associated with drug usage were extraordinary. The five-month investigation resulted in 47 arrest(s).”

        Major crimes in Northern Kentucky's largest city fell to the lowest level in the last six years, according to the annual report. Felonies fell 32.89 percent over six years to 3,118 incidents in 2000.

        At the time, Chief Bosse also reported the continuing streak of 33 months with no formal citizen complaints filed against a Covington officer.

        Mayor Callery said although Covington has all the problems of a big city, they have not seen an upswing in crime that neighboring Cincinnati has.

        “That is because we have good leadership in the chief's office, and we have a good force,” Mr. Callery said. “Police are out in the community and have developed good relationships with residents.”

        Kenton County Police Chief Bill Dorsey, who worked as an assistant chief under Chief Bosse for nearly six years, said his former boss will leave the department in good shape.

        During Chief Bosse's tenure, Covington promoted its first black officers to the detective unit and internal affairs, Chief Dorsey said. Chief Bosse oversaw renovations at police headquarters and updating of the department's fleet of vehicles, including the purchase of a new SWAT van.

        “Of all the things that happened during his tenure as chief, unfortunately, the death of Mike Partin would have to be one of the major incidents,” Chief Dorsey said.

        Officer Partin, 25, fell from the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge while helping another officer chase a suspect in January of 1998.

        “I will never forget what Chief Bosse said at Mike Partin's funeral. He said, "Now for all time, Mike will be our brother too.'”

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