Updated: Lt. Michael Wurgler Retires From North Canton Police Department

Lt. Michael Wurgler serves his last day at the today after announcing his retirement Thursday.

The 31-year veteran became a patrolman in 1980 and was appointed lieutenant in 1991.

Wurgler also served as acting police chief after  (Grimes now is city administrator) and resumed his current position as lieutenant and patrol commander upon the . Wurgler had applied for the position of chief and had made it into .

"With the appointment of the new chief, I felt it was better to (let him) have his opportunity to run the department the way he wanted to run it rather than my being here and trying to influence," Wurgler said.

"I wish him all the luck in the world."

Wurgler served several months with the Sebring Police Department as a part-time officer before becoming a full-time patrol officer with North Canton. He served as an undercover officer with the Stark County Metropolitan Drug Unit from January 1983 to September 1984.

The 1975 Marlington High School graduate served four years as a security specialist in the U.S. Air Force and completed the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police and Command.

Other accomplishments include an award from the North Canton Jaycees Outstanding Police Officer of the Year. Wurgler is also a member of the executive board of the Fraternal Order of Police McKinley Lodge No. 2.

Wurgler has plans to golf more and spend time with his wife Jean, who he's been married to for more than 27 years, and his two adult children, Kristina and David.

Other recent North Canton Police Department retirements include: