Police Chief announces February Retirement Plans

Pueblo Police Chief Jim Billings announces his plans to retire effective February 16, 2011. He began his career as a Pueblo police officer on February 16, 1975, and his selected date of retirement coincides with his 36th anniversary as a police officer. He was appointed to the position of Chief of Police on October 5, 1998 and will have completed 12 years as the chief by the date of his retirement.

Chief Billings states he still has projects he will see to completion before retirement, including finalizing a five-year strategic plan for the department, achieving re-accreditation through the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and hosting the annual Rocky Mountain Women in Law Enforcement Conference in September.

Chief Billings is thankful to everyone in the community who has supported the police department throughout his career. He is especially grateful to the community for the new Pueblo Municipal Justice Center, which was the final project on the list of goals he established for the department when he first became the Chief. He believes the Pueblo PD is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country and he credits the men and women of the department with that success. He also extends his thanks to the Pueblo City Council and City Manager Jerry Pacheco for the high level of support they exhibit for the department.

Chief Billings holds masters degrees in criminal justice and public administration, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has been the representative of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for eight years and he will complete six years as a member of the IACP’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Committee at the end of this year.

Chief Billings is a Pueblo native, and he plans to remain active in the community. He and his wife, June, look forward to traveling in retirement, as well as spending more time with their family.

Issued by: James W. Billings, Jr. - Chief of Police Date: June 14, 2010