In a letter sent today to the members of the Hot Springs Police Department, Police Chief David Flory announced his retirement from the City of Hot Springs, effective November 30. (Note: the letter is printed in its entirety at the bottom of this email.)
On February 28, 2011, Flory was selected as Hot Springs’ police chief by former City Manager Lance Hudnell. Flory’s top goals included increasing the department’s professionalism and making it the best in the state. “I believe that as a team, we have accomplished both of these goals,” Flory stated in his announcement letter. “Our organization is much more respected within the community of Hot Springs and greater Garland County as well as the law enforcement community within the entire state of Arkansas, and I truly believe that we have arrived at being ‘the best police department in Arkansas.’ Our recent accomplishment of receiving AACP / ALEEP (Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police / Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program) accreditation is testament to that fact.”
Flory’s career includes 37 years in full-time law enforcement, 22 of those years as assistant chief or police chief. He states that he will continue teaching in the United States Justice Department’s VALOR Program; pursuing training opportunities in law enforcement as well as school and church safety; spending more time with family; and enjoying recreational activities.
“Chief Flory is well respected across the country and among police chiefs throughout the state,” said Interim City Manager Bill Burrough. “He has been a positive influence for the Hot Springs Police Department during his years with the city. We wish him a happy retirement and the best in his future endeavors.”