Essex Precinct Commander to Retire

Add Essex police Capt. Mike DiPaula to the growing list of Baltimore County commanders to retire this week.

DiPaula, who has been with the Baltimore County Police Department for more than 35 years, gave his notice to retire on Thursday. He said he was told by the department that he had to leave by Nov. 1.

Approximately a quarter of the command staff of the Baltimore County Police Department is expected to retire this year, some beginning as early this week,

The retirements also include commanders at the Cockeysville and Parkville precincts as well a number of other captains and majors.

Johnson anticipates seven retirements and attributes those to the  Baltimore County Council's recent passage of an .

DiPaula posted on his Facebook page that the retirement benefit was something he "couldn't refuse."

Here is DiPaula's Facebook post:

"It was time to say good bye," DiPaula wrote. "It was not an easy decision for sure. As you know it's not just a job, but a way of life. A great job and great career.

"The only thing that doesn't sit well with me is we weren't allowed to stay past November 1st. I gave my notice on on Thursday the 27th and was told I had to be gone by Tuesday the 1st as were some other commanders.

"Makes no sense at all, but as of Monday, I am an official retiree. Loved Essex and the people for sure and I will truly miss them. It was the best command I had in all my years."

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