Suffolk’s top cop for the last year and a half announced his retirement this week, effective Oct. 2.
Police Chief Alfred “Al” Chandler Jr. joined the Suffolk Police Department in April 1999 and was named the deputy chief of police in February 2019. He became the interim police chief in spring 2020 and was appointed to the job full time in January 2022.
“Leading the Suffolk Police Department these last three years was an honor and a privilege,” Chandler said in a release. “Serving the Suffolk community was the highlight of my 24-year career and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Maj. James “Danny” Buie will serve as the interim chief while the city searches for a replacement. A city spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the city’s timeline.
Chandler, 50, has held a variety of certifications and served in many different roles throughout his career. He was a SWAT operator, field training officer, general instructor, a crisis negotiator and evidence technician, but most of his time in law enforcement was in the Investigations Division.
Chandler also served in the National Guard for seven years, specializing in field artillery and petroleum supply, according to police.
