Longtime West Penn Township Police Chief Brian Johnson announced his retirement on Monday night.

The news was made public at Monday’s board of supervisors meeting when the board accepted his letter of intent to retire.

“For the most part, the township as a whole was very supportive to the police department,” Johnson said. “It’s not a choice that came easily.”

He said he discusses it with his wife over and over again.

Johnson began his service with West Penn in 1996. After a brief stint away, he returned, and eventually became chief - a title which he held for 15 years. In all, Johnson served West Penn for 21 years.

“I’d like to thank you for all of your years of service and what you’ve done for our department,” said Tony Prudenti, board chairman.

“In the five and a half years that I’ve been here, you’ve jumped it up leaps and bounds and turned it into something state of the art and something we can be proud of. I can’t thank you enough. West Penn Township is indebted to you.”

Johnson’s retirement is effective Aug. 14. He plans to move on and take a state position.

“I have been faced with many challenges throughout the township during my time spent as chief,” Johnson said in his letter to supervisors.

“I have moved the police department to the most current electronics and up to date with policies and newest technical tools to make the police job safe and for the officers to be able to serve the community better,” Johnson added.

In the interim, officer James Bonner will be directed to work with the chief to gain better institutional knowledge and will be labeled officer in charge upon Johnson’s retirement.

“You’ll be missed,” said Glenn Hummel, supervisor. “We will stumble. We will fall, but we will recover.”