Joseph R. Timko, Southwest Mercer County Regional police chief, announced at Tuesday's police commission meeting that he will retire Oct. 1.

On Timko's recommendation, the board named Sgt. Det. Douglas Long acting chief, since he is accustomed to the job's responsibilities, until the job is filled permanently. Timko will use vacation days from Aug. 16 through Sept. 30.

"Timko has had full Federal Bureau of Investigations training and could have easily applied to larger state or national departments of police, and I personally am very thankful he stayed," said Farrell Mayor William A. Morocco.

Other commission members agreed, saying the chief will be missed and there were times the department couldn't have gotten by without him.

The department consists of 14 full-time policemen, five part-time and two office workers.

Timko has been a member of the Farrell area police for 35 years, including chief of Southwest -- which includes Farrell, West Middlesex and Wheatland -- since its formation in 1992. Timko started as a Farrell policeman in 1968.

Timko is to turn 56 later this month.

"It is not easy for me to leave (the department)," Timko said. "But, at my age there are few opportunities to get out and this is just good timing for me."