After nearly four decades on the force, Peabody Police Chief Robert Champagne is retiring next summer.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt and Champagne jointly announced the news via a press release Thursday morning. Champagne has spent 37 years on the force and 25 as Chief of Police.

“Chief Champagne’s long record of public service speaks for itself,” Bettencourt said. “To serve a quarter century as Police Chief in a city the size of Peabody is certainly an impressive feat. On behalf of the citizens of Peabody, I thank him for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”

“It has been my privilege to serve this city for all of these years. I am proud of the work that I have accomplished...” Champagne said.

“I want to thank all of the officers and civilians who have served in the past and continue to serve," he said. "It is upon the shoulders of those men and women where the real work of policing is done and upon whom all the credit for good should be given.”

Bettencourt said he plans to begin the process of hiring a new chief immediately. Champagne's retirement is effective June 1, 2013.

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