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Albany police chief retires
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Police Chief Robert Levitt sits at his desk on his last day at work with the Albany Police Department. Levitt said he has mixed emotions about retiring, especially after saying goodbye to all the kids at the school. To order this photo, click here. (Times photo: Marissa Weiher)
ALBANY - Albany's police chief Robert Levitt retired from police work Friday after nearly 18 years at the Albany Police Department.

Levitt, a police officer for more than 40 years, started working in Albany in October 1998 after working as a police officer and chief in Cary, Illinois.

"I feel a little sad about retiring, since this has been my persona for 41 years," Levitt said.

During his time in Albany, Levitt trained dozens of officers who now work in Monroe, Beloit, Fitchburg, Madison and around the state. Levitt said he believed training so many other talented officers was his greatest achievement as the police chief.

"I've felt like I've never worked a day in my life," Levitt said.

Levitt's successor will be Sgt. James J. Placek.

Levitt said he plans to spend retirement as a substitute teacher or teaching courses at Blackhawk Technical College, although he hasn't yet decided which. Until then, he said, he is glad to have more time to spend with his grandchildren.

Members of the Albany community attended a reception in Levitt's honor on Friday.