CHIEF JOHN WHITE STEPPING DOWN AT END OF YEAR

Dothan Police Chief John White has decided that it is time to retire. Chief White announced yesterday that, effective December 25, 2004, he is retiring, after more than twenty years of service with the force. Chief White hand delivered his resignation letter to Interim City Manager Jerry Corbin. The letter was brief...only a paragraph long, but in it White says, "Please accept this letter as official notification of my intent to retire from employment on December 25, 2004. As a pre-1977 employee, I am entitled to pension benefits in excess of those to be paid by E. R. S." WDHN spoke to Jerry Corbin, who says he was surprised to get a hand delivered letter, but not surprised about White`s resignation. Chief White`s retirement announcement comes at a good time according to some City Commissioners, who voted less than a week ago that 20-year employees receive full retirement benefits without being affected by the city`s new retirement plan. Also, by the time the Chief retires, Dothan will have a new full time City Manager...Jerry West, who can appoint a new Chief. WDHN tried to contact Chief White, but his office says at this time he is declining comment.