Star City Town Hall was full of people Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the retirement of Star City Police Chief Tom Varndell.
Mayor Herman Reid, along with city council members, city employees, officers from various local departments, and others gathered for a final farewell to the chief – and to enjoy some pizza and cupcakes.
During the gathering, Varndell was presented his retirement badge by Mayor Reid.
“Thanks for the support and thanks to the city council for always having my back,” Varndell said to the group.
“And I wanted to tell Jess – good luck,” he joked to the new Star City Chief Jessica Colebank. “And if you need me, call me.”
Varndell served as chief for the past four and half years, but has been with the department for over 20.
He said his time serving the department has been “fulfilling.”
“You always enter the job expecting and wanting to help people,” he said. “And over the years I believe I have accomplished my goals.”
Varndell said he will be going back to what he knows, now that he has retired.
“I’m going back into the private sector. I was a mechanic in the Marine Corps and a mechanic in civilian life before I was a cop, so I’m going back to it.”
Varndell said the department will be in good hands moving forward with Chief Colebank.
“I think they made a wise choice and she’ll do wonderful for the town,” he said.
Colebank was sworn in as chief at the May 17 city council meeting.
“Today is my first official day – first time in the new uniform,” Colebank said.
The new chief said she is ready to hit the ground running and has already talked to the council about a few issues. The department will also be testing for new officers on June 8.
