By James Irwin
Kevin Hay, who has served as chief of the George Washington University Police Department since 2010, announced his retirement Friday, effective Nov. 14.
Chief Hay, a 31-year law enforcement veteran, informed his staff Friday afternoon. Assistant Chief Frank Demes, a 25-year veteran of GWPD, will serve as acting chief.
“I want to thank Kevin for his years of service to the university and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” Darrell Darnell, senior associate vice president for safety and security, said in a statement.
A national search will begin immediately, Mr. Darnell said.
A 26-year veteran of the United States Park Police, Chief Hay has led a staff of more than 100 officers who provide security services and crime prevention education to GW’s Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon and Virginia Science and Technology campuses. He has earned more than 100 commendations, awards and letters of appreciation in his career with the U.S. Park Police and GWPD.
“After 31 years in law enforcement, I have decided to retire from police work and spend some time with my family in North Carolina, back where I started my career,” Chief Hay said in a statement. “I want to thank Darrell Darnell for giving me the opportunity to join GW and the men and women of the George Washington University Police Department, with whom I have proudly served.”