CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk’s Interim Chief of Police and Deputy City Manager Michael G. Goldsmith will retire Friday as the city gets closer to naming its next police chief.

The Norfolk Police Department posted on Facebook Friday thanking Interim Chief Goldsmith for his 34 years of service to the city of Norfolk.

Goldsmith first worked as a police officer with Norfolk in 1989 and quickly made rank before serving as a captain for several years. He later became Chief of Police for more than five years, split between two tenures as Norfolk’s top cop.  

Goldsmith was first appointed Norfolk’s Chief of Police in June 2012. He stepped away from the department in December 2016 to become one of Norfolk’s Deputy City Managers with oversight of several departments including the Community Services Board. Goldsmith was later reappointed to serve as Interim Chief of Police in April 2022.   

In a release Mar. 31 from the City of Norfolk, City Manager Dr. Chip Filer thanked Goldsmith for his service.

“Mike has served our community dutifully for 34 years. His impact on safety in Norfolk and our region cannot be overstated.,” said Filer.

Goldsmith’s retirement comes as Norfolk get ready to bring in Hampton Police Chief Mark Talbot as their new chief of police. Talbot is expected to be transferred over to NPD by May 1.

Goldsmith took over as interim police chief almost a year ago following the sudden departure of NPD’s former chief Larry Boone.

Following his retirement, Boone spoke with 10 On Your Side stating that it was his decision to ultimately leave the department to which he devoted 33 years of his life.