FORT MYERS, Fla. - Fort Myers Police Chief Hilton Daniels will retire this year, after three decades on the force. His last day will be July 30th.

Chief Daniels was hired as a patrolman in 1978 and since then has worked as a detective in the narcotics and violent crimes units and served as Assistant Chief before he was named Police Chief in 2001 by Mayor Jim Humphrey.

Daniels said in a statement released Tuesday,"It was a pleasure to serve the City of Fort Myers. I will leave with pride in what we as a department in partnership with the community have accomplished over the years, specifically the seven years I have directed the force. My retirement will allow me to spend more time with my family after a very demanding career."