Santa Maria's Chief of Police is retiring.
Phil Hansen has been with the department for the past almost eight years, serving as chief since 2017.
He says he planned to retire earlier this year but decided to wait due to things with COVID-19, budget issues and civil disturbances.
Chief Hansen says he believes now is the right time and calls his time with the department “wonderful” while praising the people he works with.
His last day on the job will be Dec. 18.
While a new chief has not been named, Hansen believes he's helped get many people in the department ready to take over if the City chooses to hire from within.
After being with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office for 36 years, Hansen came out of retirement to help rebuild the Santa Maria Police Department.
Hansen says while he doesn’t have plans after retiring, he wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up back in law enforcement in some way.
He and his wife plan to stay on the Central Coast, calling their move here one of the best things they ever did.
