ORANGE : Chief of Police Since ’85 Retires

Police Chief Wayne Streed, an officer who worked his way up through the ranks, retired Thursday from the Orange Police Department.

Streed joined the Orange force as a motorcycle officer 26 years ago and was appointed chief in 1985.

“It’s kind of tough to say goodby after all these years,” said Streed, 57. “I’ll miss the people. It’s a great city to work in.”

Before joining the department, Streed was a police officer in Santa Ana and Omaha, Neb.

While in Orange, Streed saw the department open a new substation in East Orange and prepare to move operations to a new station on Struck Avenue.

Streed said his decision to retire was based in part on a new pension plan that will allow him to collect 75% of his salary, rather than 50%.

City Manager Ron Thompson said Streed will be missed by the city. “He’s had a great career here in Orange and leaves the Police Department in great shape,” Thompson said.

Capt. Mike Parker, a department veteran, will act as chief until a replacement for Streed is named, Thompson said. The City Council will probably discuss a replacement at its Jan. 9 meeting, Thompson said.

Streed said he plans to drive around the United States and Canada. After that, he isn’t sure what he wants to do.

“Who knows? Maybe I’ll pump gas a couple days a week, something low stress,” he said.