March 26, 2007

CHIEF JOHN URBY TO RETIRE
Midland Police Chief John A. Urby announced his retirement from the City of Midland today, March 26, 2007.  The announcement follows nine years of service to the community as Chief of Police.  His retirement will be effective April 30, 2007, bringing an end to a 27½ -year career with the Midland Police Department.

Urby was first hired by the City of Midland as a Police Officer on August 8, 1979.  He was promoted to Sergeant on October 1, 1981, to Lieutenant on January 1, 1990, and Deputy Chief on February 1, 1993.  Urby was appointed Chief of Police on December 1, 1997.

During his tenure as Chief, Urby has lead the department to national recognition, remained on the cutting edge of technology, and helped to obtain increased in salary for sworn personnel.  The MPD is one of 574 agencies out of 17,000 to be a nationally accredited department.  In 2006, the MPD was named a Flagship Agency for the first time ever.  The department is serving as a role model to other agencies.  MPD’s National Night Out has been recognized for eight of the last nine years.  New technology is now being used at the department including in vehicle laptops, field reporting, AVL/CAD in the works.  Pay Progression for sworn employees with steps 4-9 funded and overall salaries increasing 50% since he has been chief.

Urby plans to remain in Midland while he pursues other interests.

Over the next 30 days, the City of Midland will develop a recruiting plan and name an interim Chief of Police to oversee the MPD during the process of finding a replacement. 

PRESS CONFERENCE
The Midland Police Department will participate in a press conference to announce an upcoming event aimed at saving the lives of children riding in moving vehicles.

The press conference will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Midland Community Federal Credit Union, 600 W. Louisiana. 

MISSING PERSON
Midland Police need your help in locating a missing Midland man.  

On Saturday, March 24, 2007, police received a report of a missing Alzheimer’s patient.  77-year-old Ira Stanford, Jr. was reported missing by his daughter.  Anyone who has seen him, or know of his whereabouts, should contact the MPD.

Stanford is described as a black male, 5’10” tall, 170 pounds, with black and grey hair, and glasses.  He was last seen wearing a white shirt with suspenders and blue or black dress pants.  He could possibly be in a 2005 Dodge Neon four-door.

Anyone with information about Stanford should contact the MPD at 685.7108.

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