Mayor John Callahan announced in a statement July 9 Police Commissioner Jason Schiffer will be retiring next month.

Schiffer submitted a letter of intent to end his career after 20 years with the department late August and looks forward to spending time with his family while considering his next career choice.

"The Bethlehem Police Department is one of the best police organizations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that is a tribute to Jason's untiring efforts. Our crime rates have continued a downward trend while our crime clearance rates continue to climb. We continue to be the safest city in Pennsylvania with over 30,000 residents and that margin continues to widen", Callahan said.

In addition to making Bethlehem one of the finest police departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Chief Schiffer also utilized social media in an unprecedented way, moving Bethlehem in to a modern era of public transparency, accountability, and partnership with the community.

Recently the Bethlehem Police Department received both state and national reaccreditation from PLEAC and CALEA. The assessors in our recent PLEAC accreditation wrote in their report, "The City of Bethlehem Police Department sets an example that should be emulated by law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Their organizational philosophies and practices show their continuing commitment to providing superior quality service to the community and the department. It is clear that the department is well disciplined, well trained, well organized and well directed."

"We certainly will miss Chief Schiffer and wish him the best in all future endeavors and opportunities as they present themselves," Callahan concluded.

Schiffer took over for retired Stuart Bedics two years ago this month and the release indicated Deputy Commissioner Craig Finnerty will be promoted and begin the search for his own replacement.

Finnerty, 43, is a 21-year member of the department and Army veteran. He worked his way from a patrol officer to a patrol lieutenant, served as supervisor on the Emergency Response Team, a firearms instructor and as lieutenant in charge of the Professional Standards Division.