FRPD Chief Norman Shiflett confirms pending retirement, effective May 1

FRPD Chief Norman Shiflett is poised to retire after 33 years in law enforcement in this community, the last 4-1/2 as police chief. Town website photos

On Monday afternoon (Feb. 27), Front Royal Police Chief Norman Shiflett confirmed that he will be retiring, effective May 1.  Shiflett said that after 33 years in law enforcement, “I’m ready.”

Chief Shiflett downplayed the role of surgery he had on his ankle last June that has limited his work with the department since – “I’m getting along with my recovery.  I have no pain; the main reason is that after 33 years in law enforcement I am ready (for retirement).”

Beginning in March 1984, Shiflett served 28 years in the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to Major.  He took over as chief of FRPD in September 2012, following the retirement of Richard Furr.

Major Bruce Hite is likely to continue in the role of Acting Chief as the Town begins the search for another top-level department head.

Major Bruce Hite has been serving as Acting Chief for day-to-day operations during Shiflett’s recovery.  Hite, who himself has come out of one retirement, has previously indicated he sees his current role as a temporary one.

But Hite is likely to continue in his role as Acting Chief as the Town begins the search for another top-level department head.  Town Energy Department Director Joe Waltz is currently serving as Interim Town Manager following the November 25 resignation of Steve Burke to take the Public Works Director job in Manassas City.  Burke had served as Front Royal’s town manager since 2011.

A formal announcement of Shiflett’s retirement is anticipated at tonight’s Town Council meeting.