Austintown will soon begin the process of hiring a new police chief with current Chief Bob Gavalier announcing his retirement from the position.

Township Trustee Robert Santos tells 21 News Gavalier's last day in office will be February 28. Santos added that trustees will begin looking for candidates to fill Gavalier's position sometime next week.

Santos says he hopes to have a decision made sometime in January so the new chief can shadow Gavalier during his last days in office.

Santos added that Gavalier provided exceptional service to the township during his time in office and it will be tough to fill his shoes.

Gavalier has been with the Austintown Police Department for 38 years, plus an additional five years as a reserve officer.

21 News has reached out to Chief Gavalier for further comment on his retirement and we're waiting to hear back.