From The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction):  Delta Police Chief Robert Thomas announced Tuesday he’s retiring, a month after the city placed him on paid administrative leave for reasons that have never been made public.

Acting City Manager Glen Black said Thomas was expected to “pursue other opportunities on the Front Range,” but did not know the specifics of Thomas’ plans. Asked if the city negotiated a severance package with the chief, Black said he couldn’t discuss a personnel matter.

However, Colorado’s Legislature has said “any benefit provided” to a former public employee incident to his or her termination of employment is not “personnel” data and must be disclosed.

“The city of Delta would like to thank Chief Thomas for his positive contributions to the Delta community, city of Delta, and Delta Police Department. We appreciate Chief Thomas’ dedication, organizational accomplishments, and commitment to public service,” the city announced in a news release.

In a prepared statement, Thomas said it was “an honor and privilege to have served the city of Delta.”

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