Davis Retires, May Return

Springfield Police Captain Peter Davis has retired from the force. Davis, who was the highest ranking officer on the force, led the divison between the retirement of former Chief William Chisholm and when the Union County Prosecutor's office assumed responsibility of Springfield's police.

A police officer answering the switchboard at Springfield Police Headquarters confirmed that Davis retired. His last day was Aug. 31.

That doesn't mean that he might not return, though. Davis previously announced his retirement and then returned to the force; police officers can cancel their retirements up until 30 days after their retirement announcement. 

In June, the Union County's Prosecutor's office assumed control of Springfield's police department after Davis, the highest-ranking member of the force, announced his retirement from the force and resignation from his leadership position. Davis's resignation came after a much-discussed executive meeting discussion of Davis's future with the forcewhere the Township Committee declined to name Davis acting chief. He later returned to the department. 

"On behalf of the Township of Springfield, I would like to offer appreciation to Captain Davis for his service to the community and wish him well in his endeavors," Springfield Mayor Ziad Shehady said in an email. "While the past few months have been confusing, the Springfield Police Division is very well prepared to move forward thanks to the dedicated service of our men & women in blue and I am confident in the plans for the future of the Division that are being developed by Public Safety Director Richard Rosell."

Reached in late August, Davis declined to comment on his retirement or his plans. Deputy Mayor Bart Fraenkel, who has been a vocal advocate of naming Davis acting chief, also declined comment. 

Sources close to the matter have speculated that Fraenkel will continue to push to name Davis acting chief, and that the matter will likely be discussed at the next Township Committee meeting.