Gilbert’s police chief has officially retired.

Tim Dorn, a former beat cop and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office captain, left the force Thursday after 16 years in charge.

His law enforcement career spanned 41 years.

Chief Tim Dorn receives a standing ovation at his retirement from the Gilbert Police Department pic.twitter.com/uGEfhm7mJF

— Gilbert Police Dept. (@GilbertPolice) March 9, 2017

Lt. Hugh White said there had never been a better public servant than Dorn.

“I think he just felt that it was time, to enjoy his family,” White said. “And enjoy his retirement.

“We’re really going to miss him.”

Dorn started his career as a Gilbert beat officer in 1976, when he was 19. He went to the Sheriff’s Office two years later, where he attained the rank of captain before retiring.

He returned as interim Gilbert police chief in 2001, and was named permanent chief in 2006.

Dorn has had his share of tragedy during his career.

One case, in particular, hit close to home: the 2010 shooting death of Lt. Eric Shuhandler during a traffic stop.

The shooting echoed the death of Dorn’s uncle, MCSO Lt. Robert Dorn.

He, too, was killed in 1965 during a traffic stop.

White said the former chief had volunteer ideas he’d like to pursue, and he has family out of state he’d like to visit more often.

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