After seven months, Sarasota Police Chief James Rieser announced his is stepping down effective Wednesday.
In a news release, Rieser said he is retiring due to health reasons.
"Because of recent unexpected health issues and after much consideration and reflection, I have submitted my retirement," Rieser said in the release. "I have been honored and humbled to serve as the Chief of Police for the past seven months."
Reiser has served with the Sarasota Police Department since April 1992 and was named the city's 12th police chief in January.
"It's been an honor to serve this beautiful community I consider paradise over the past 29 years," Rieser said in the release. "The professionalism, integrity, and level of service of the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are above and beyond what any leader could ask for."
Rieser will be replaced by Deputy Chief Rex Troche on an interim basis, Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown said in the release.
"We appreciate Chief Rieser's dedicated service to Sarasota for the past 29 years and his leadership as police chief over the past seven months," Brown said. "Now, we look forward to a seamless transition with Deputy Chief Troche stepping in. With his extensive background in law enforcement and his exemplary service to the department in a variety of positions over the past two decades, he is a natural choice to immediately step into this role while continuing to serve the community."
Rieser replaced Bernadette DiPino, who resigned in January after an officer reportedly filed a complaint against her for making inappropriate comments about a homeless man.
Troche has served with the Sarasota Police Department since 2002.
"It's been an honor and privilege to serve under Chief Rieser's direction. He's been extremely impactful not just for our agency but for our community," Troche said in the release. "I would like to ensure our community that the Sarasota Police Department will continue to move forward with initiatives that are in place and keep the City of Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play."
