South Bend Police Department hosts retirement party for Assistant Chief Daniel Skibins
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department hosted a retirement party today for Assistant Chief Daniel Skibins. Skibins served almost 30 years in law enforcement, and his retirement came as a surprise to many, especially Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski. "I'm in the deferred retirement program, and the contingency plan upon my department was Dan [Daniel Skibins] was probably going to be the next police chief," Ruszkowski says. Skibins' departure now leaves a leadership role within the staff, as two officers are now needed to replace Skibins and eventually, Ruszkowski. But Skibins says that his departure doesn't leave a hole, but rather an opportunity for leadership. "I look forward to looking back years from now and seeing that success," Skibins says. His retirement starts Oct. 14 and Skibins also notes he's not officially retiring, as he'll work as a consultant at Sound Thinking, a law enforcement tech company. Ruszkowski says a decision on the new Assistant Chief will be revealed in 3-4 months.