Longwood University Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Pierson announced in a recent email to campus that Longwood Police Chief Col. Bob Beach will retire in 2020.

Addressed to “campus community,” Pierson wrote, “Col. Bob Beach, who since 2007 has led the police department at Longwood, announced today that he will embark on a well-deserved retirement after this academic year, which will mark his 50th year in law enforcement.”

Pierson noted that under Beach’s leadership, the Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) transformed completely into the professional, accredited department that it is today.

“He’s implemented an extraordinary number of changes, notably doubling the number of sworn officers, incorporating force-multiplying technology (including hundreds of security cameras and emergency phones), creating dozens of classes available to students and increasing the level of emergency preparedness for potential crises,” Pierson wrote.

Pierson stated that Beach also ushered in a new era of cooperation with town and county law enforcement, building bridges that have created new opportunities for the community to work together.

“No more evidence of that is needed than at the 2016 Vice Presidential Debate — where Chief was an irreplaceable leader — where the LUPD worked side-by-side with the Secret Service and Virginia State Police, earning praise and accolades for their efforts,” Pierson noted.

“Personally, I have relied heavily on his counsel and experience on a range of issues and always appreciated his steadfastness and commitment to (the) safety of our community,” he continued.

In conclusion, Pierson wrote, “Please join me in thanking Chief Beach for all he has given this campus. Nearer his last day, which will be (in) July 2020, we will have an appropriately festive opportunity to send him off to enjoy his ranch and grandchildren.”