(KNZA)--The Doniphan County community of Wathena will be searching for a new chief of police.

Jared Ratzlaff announced his resignation from the position in an open letter to the residents of Wathena, which was posted October 14 on the police department’s Facebook page.

Ratzlaff, who has been in law enforcement since 2004, has held the position since May, 2018.

In his letter, Ratzlaff said after a long conservation with his family it was decided it was best thing for his family that he resign.        

Ratzlaff thanked everyone for the support they have shown his family since moving to the community.

He cited several accomplishments during his tenure in Wathena---including the creation of the 1st National Night Out event and relationships he has built with several businesses in town and the Riverside School District.      

Ratzlaff will be joining the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department and  plans to continue living in Wathena,.

Editor's note:  the following is the letter Ratzlaff posted.

Citizens of Wathena

After a long conversation with my family, we have decided the best thing for us is for me to resign from the position of Chief of Police. I want to say thank you to everyone for the support they have shown my family and I since we moved to this wonderful community. We absolutely love it here and it is for this reason we will remain living here.
While working with you we have created some wonderful things in town. The 1st National Night Out was held and a great success. This program is not going to end, I assure you. I have also built a relationship with several businesses in town and with Riverside School District. The relationship I have with the faculty and students alike is simply amazing.
I have been able to work with different groups and help to bring different programs to our small community and we should all be proud of these small accomplishments. I look forward to continuing these relationships and programs as a member of the Doniphan County Sheriff Department.
Thank you again for your support and I look forward of continuing to work with you to make my new home the best little town in Kansas.
Everyone should be very proud to say they are from Wathena, I can't wait to watch these great traditions grow.

Jared Ratzlaff