Groton ― City of Groton Police Chief Erick Jenkins, who has served more than three decades with the city’s police department, plans to retire in July.

Jenkins, who became police chief two years ago and has worked for the city’s police department for 34 years, said it’s time.

“I love it,” Jenkins said of his work with the police department. “I like it, but I have an older brother who retired from here who says you'll know when it’s time to go, so to me, I think it’s time for me to move on to something else.”

He said he doesn’t know yet what his next step will be and doesn’t yet have a job lined up, but wants to spend time with his family ―including playing golf with his father-in-law. He doesn’t believe his next job will be in law enforcement, but expects he will be helping the community in some manner.

“I’ve had a great time here,” Jenkins said. “I’ve learned a lot.”

Jenkins, 58, said he’s had a lot of great mentors and working partners, including several different mayors and police chiefs, and added that he “couldn’t ask for better co-workers, from the beginning to now.”

The City Council on Monday accepted his retirement, effective July 7.

Jenkins, who grew up in Niantic, joined the U.S. Marines in 1984 after high school and then was hired in 1989 by the city’s police department. During that time, he served in a variety of roles, including patrolman, youth officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and now as chief.

He said he met a lot of great people and helped in any way he could. He said he hopes he helped better the lives of some, if not the majority, of them, as police are here to help and make the community safer.

In 2016, Jenkins helped rescue a woman whose car was in the water off Eastern Point Beach, though he’s quick to give credit to the other people involved in the rescue.

He also has fond memories of teaching DARE to kids in the schools and reading stories, as well as the camaraderie at the police department, which he described as a “big team” where he’s made long-lasting friendships.

Jenkins became chief of the police department, which has 36 full-time employees, after former Chief Michael Spellman retired in May of 2021.

City Mayor Keith Hedrick said Jenkins will be missed. Hedrick called Jenkins’ more than 30 years on the city police force working his way up from patrolman to chief, a “monumental feat.” Hedrick said he appreciated all of Jenkins’ service, but particularly his service as chief of police.

“He’s done a great job and I wish him success in his future whatever he decides to do,” Hedrick added.

As far as the next police chief, Hedrick said there will be an open call for chief candidates who will then go through a selection process that will involve a review board of police chiefs.

Hedrick ultimately will interview and make a recommendation of a candidate to the City Council for approval.

k.drelich@theday.com