HARRINGTON — The Harrington Police Department on Thursday announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Norman Barlow, who has spent 28 years with the law enforcement agency.

Chief Barlow was bestowed with the Police Officer of the Year award four times, and was the recipient of Municipal Chief of the Year in 2014. The Chief Norman Barlow Pavilion in Freedom Park was named in his honor on July 15, 2013.

“It has been an honor to serve the Harrington community over the years,” he said in a news release.

“I have been extremely blessed with a supportive community that has backed my ideas, and together we have accomplished so much. I would like to thank the officers, city employees, council members, past and present, and the mayor for their unwavering support over the years.

“From acquiring grants to build Freedom Park, creating a Community Policing Vehicle, successfully starting and maintaining the School Resource Officer Program at W.T. Chipman School, to growing our police department into what it is today, along with all of the other numerous accomplishments we have made as a team. 

“I would also like to thank the police chiefs who came before me; I like to think that each of us has helped to lay the foundation, and contributed in our own unique ways, to make the Harrington Police Department the successful police department it is today.

“My hope is that the next chief will continue to build on that foundation, and bring their own unique contributions to the department.

“Lastly, but most importantly, I would like to thank my wife and three daughters for all of their support and love through the years. I look forward to my next great adventure.”

Chief Barlow’s final day in office is undetermined, police spokesman Capt. Kenny Brode said.