Brawley police chief announces retirement

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - After 29 years of serving in law enforcement, the Brawley police chief is taking off his badge.

"29 years...I always tell people jokingly law enforcement officers live dog years...you get to see a lot. I think it's a good career I feel pretty comfortable what I have accomplished," said Jimmy Duran, Brawley Police Chief.

Chief Duran announced his retirement Tuesday night at the Brawley City Council meeting.

"It was a very emotional moment for me. It did take a while to come up with this decision and it wasn't something that happened overnight," said Duran.

Chief duran served 29 years in law enforcement. He spent about 24 years as a lieutenant with the Imperial County Sheriff's Office before becoming Brawley's police chief.

He says he's proud of all the things he has accomplished, like adding 14 petitions at the station and creating many youth programs.

"Kids that belong to the MLS go soccer league came in unexpectedly and they actually handed me this trophy...which was awesome and a pretty emotional moment because in law enforcement you do so many things but helping the kids is one of the things I believe has been my greatest achievement," said Duran.

Duran says his last day as the police chief will be on December 30.

"I am very thankful to God for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve our community of Imperial County and our City of Brawley, and for the trust that the City Council and city manager gave me in the last five years," said Duran.