A retirement celebration is scheduled for Wednesday (July 15) to honor Police Chief Chip W. Simmons, who is retiring after 29 years with the Pensacola Police Department.
The reception will begin at 2 p.m. at the Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Resource Center, 913 South I St.
Simmons began his career in law enforcement career in 1984 when he was hired as a corrections officer for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. In October 1986 he was hired by the Pensacola Police Department as a police officer and worked his way up through the ranks until he was appointed Chief of Police in June 2010.
Among his assignments at the Pensacola Police Department have been Uniform Patrol, Vice & Narcotics, SWAT Commander, and Assistant Chief. Simmons is one of the most decorated officers in department history, having received a Gold Medal of Valor, which is the department’s highest award for heroism; Bronze Cross for Valor, Chief’s Medal; five Meritorious Service commendations; two unit citations, four City of Pensacola Merit Awards, and numerous other recognitions including the Mayor’s Leadership Award in 2014.