Aylesbury Vale’s top policeman will retire this summer after 30 years working for the force.
Supt George Wrigley, 51, took up his current role as Aylesbury Vale local policing area commander in April 2011.
He is set to hand over the reigns to his deputy and chief inspector Olly Wright in April before retiring in July.
He said: “For me it’s the next phase of my life. It’s a very personal decision.
“I’ve done my bit and I’ve got my own plans for the future with my family.
“Policing is a challenge. There’s difficult stuff to deal with and the only way you can overcome that is with the support of people around you.”
Mr Wrigley said he was confident his deputy would step up to the plate.
He added: “I’m very pleased for him. It’s a great opportunity. He’s very talented.
“He will work hard. I know he will do things slightly different to me but that’s just the way it goes.”
Mr Wrigley also praised Inspector Emma Garside’s work in the rural areas of the Thames Valley as she is set to fill Mr Wright’s position.