MANTECA — Police Chief Charlie Halford retired from the city this week after 32 years at the police department.

Halford said goodbye to co-workers Tuesday, May 6, less than a week before he begins work as the executive director of the Manteca-Lathrop Boys & Girls Club.

The 53-year-old police chief had announced that he would retire last year, but offered to stay on until a new police chief was found.

With a new city manager in sight and a job waiting at the Boys & Girls Club, where he has been working part-time for the last two months, Halford decided now was the best time to go.

Police Captain Dave Bricker will fill in as interim police chief until incoming City Manager Steve Pinkerton selects a full-time replacement.

A consulting firm has narrowed down candidates for the job to Bricker and another applicant.

Halford joined the Manteca Police Department in 1976 and has served as police chief for the last 10 years.

His decision to retire was based mainly on financial issues over benefits and new tax laws, he said.