Round Rock Police Chief Tim Ryle, a 31-year veteran of local law enforcement, announced he will retire in early 2014.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Round Rock for so many years,” Ryle said. “The Round Rock Police Department is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country and it has been a privilege to be a part of this exemplary group of men and women for so many years.

“We have one of the safest cities in the country, and that’s due in large part to the support the Police Department receives from our citizens, the City Council and our peers in the City organization.”

City Manager Steve Norwood said the City will conduct a nationwide search to hire Ryle’s replacement.

“There is no question Chief Ryle led this department with honesty and integrity, and you could always sleep well at night as Chief Ryle knew what was going on and took our national rankings for safety very seriously,” Norwood said. “The department is in great shape, thanks to Tim’s leadership and the hard work of the men and women of the Round Rock Police Department.”

Ryle, 54, began his career in Round Rock in 1983. He rose through the ranks, serving as Patrol Sergeant, lieutenant over Narcotics and SWAT, and captain before being named Assistant Chief in 2007. He was promoted to Police Chief in October 2011. He began his career with the Luling Police Department.

Ryle earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University. He is a graduate of the Command College at Sam Houston State University and holds a Master Peace Officer’s certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. In 2004, he received the City of Round Rock’s first Exemplary Leadership Citation. He is also a graduate of the FBI Executive Development Program.

A native Texan, Ryle is a third-generation police officer.