Col. Jon M. Belmar, St. Louis County police chief, announced his retirement after nearly 34 years of service.
The news comes three months after a jury awarded $19 million to a gay officer who filed a discrimination lawsuit. The officer said the department passed him over for several promotions due to his “gayness.”
Belmar was appointed chief of police in January 2014, after working his way up the ranks of the department.
“It has been an honor to work with and for the women and men of the St. Louis County Police Department.” Belmar said. “The dedication, sacrifice and bravery of those that work for this department is unmatched. The citizens and businesses of St. Louis County deserve nothing but the best, and I firmly believe they receive that from us every day.”
A replacement has not been announced.