Webster police chief of six years announces retirement

Chief Rieger: ‘It has been a great honor and privilege’

Photo Credit: Webster Police Department Facebook page

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Webster, NY - After nearly six years of serving as Webster’s Chief of Police, Joseph Rieger will retire come January 2021.

Chief Rieger announced his retirement early this week.

After Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering retired back in 2015, Rieger took the reins, bringing with him extensive experience having served in various ranks within the Webster Police Department.

Rieger has been with the Webster Police Department for more than 31 years.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as your Chief of Police for nearly six years,” Chief Rieger stated in an official press release. “However, the time has come for me to retire from the Webster Police Department and pass the leadership torch to someone else.”

Rieger says the decision to retire was “bittersweet,” as he looks forward to retirement but will miss “serving the public” and the “camaraderie that exists amongst police officers.”

“It is hard for me to reduce to words the amount of dedication I have to the people of Webster and the noble profession of law enforcement,” Rieger stated. “I am thankful for all the opportunities that have been extended to me throughout my career.”

Rieger will continue as chief until mid-January. He says he will assist with the transition to a new Webster Police Chief.

The following is the rest of Chief Rieger’s statement:

“The Webster Police Department is an extraordinary agency, staffed with well-trained and incredibly talented people. No matter who picks up the reins after my departure, you will be in very capable hands.

Throughout my time as your Police Chief, I have been blessed with overwhelming community support. I sincerely appreciate that support and I hope your support for the Webster Police Department will continue into the future. I wish all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for everything you have done through the years to help the Webster Police Department serve this great community. I will miss you all.”