SEQUIM — Sequim Police Chief William “Bill” Dickinson will retire effective Dec. 15.

He will be off the job before then, however.

City Manager Charlie Bush said the chief — who has served since Sept. 7, 2010 — will take vacation time following a public reception planned for him Dec. 1.

Deputy Police Chief Sheri Crain then will serve as acting chief, Bush said.

“We are still assessing options as to what we plan to do next,” he said.

The open house reception for Dickinson on Dec. 1 will be from 11 a.m. to noon at the Sequim Transit Center at 190 W. Cedar St.

Dickinson, 66, has had a 45-year career in law enforcement, serving the past 23 years in the role of police chief in the cities of Burien, SeaTac and Tigard, Ore., as well as in Sequim.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Chief Dickinson this past year,” Bush said.

“His experience, integrity and professionalism have been of great benefit to the department and the community. Because of his leadership, we are confident in the continuation of the highest level of police service for our community. We appreciate everything he has done.”

Dickinson and his wife, Betty, plan to retire to Cle Elum in Kittitas County, Bush said.

“If I have provided a measure of safety, security, service and friendship to those who have employed me, and equally to those who have served with me, then my professional life has been well-spent,” Dickinson said.

“I thank all who have afforded me this opportunity, not the least of which has been the city of Sequim, where I have been privileged to fill out my last six years-plus of service in such a warm and supportive community.”

Dickinson was instrumental in the development of the new police station at the Sequim Civic Center at 152 W. Cedar St., Bush said.

The facility was made possible by a taxpayer-approved public safety tax to help fund the new police station.

It gave the department its first opportunity to be an accredited police station, Bush said.

The Dickinsons have two sons and one grandchild, Bush said.