ORANGE BEACH — After five years as chief of police and more than 30 years of service under the Orange Beach Police Department (OBPD), Steve Brown officially announced his plans to retire later this year.

According to previous GCM reporting, Brown was appointed as chief of police in summer 2020. He had previously served as a full-time police officer since 1995.

In a statement from Brown, he said his retirement will go into effect Sept. 1 of this year.

“Law enforcement has never been just a job to me — it has been a calling,” Brown said in the statement. “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, integrity and compassion that define the men and women of the Orange Beach Police Department. Together, we have built a department grounded in community partnership and dedicated to public safety.”

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon released a statement on Brown’s “upcoming and well-earned” retirement.

He spoke on how Brown was recognized early on in his career at OBPD by then-Chief of Police Robert Vincent and Brown rose through the ranks of the department.

“Throughout his career, Chief Brown brought with him a breadth of experience – including roles in dispatch, corrections and years of dedicated service in the field,” Kennon said in his statement. “His leadership has always been grounded in firsthand knowledge and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of Orange Beach.”

Brown did not specify in his statement why he made his decision to retire.

In an announcement from Councilman Jeff Boyd on his candidacy to run for mayor of Orange Beach, he mentioned Brown telling him of his plans to retire soon because “he couldn’t take the pressure anymore.”

In his statement, Brown said he is grateful for the experiences, friendships and opportunities he has received in the past three decades at OBPD.

“Serving the people of Orange Beach has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he said. “From my early days as a patrol officer to my current role as chief of police, I have witnessed the growth and transformation of our city and our department. Through every challenge and triumph, it has been the commitment of our officers, the support of our city leaders and the trust of our citizens that have made this journey so meaningful.”

Kennon said Brown lived up to his calling in policing and protected the city with integrity, professionalism and care.

“We pride ourselves in Orange Beach on being a family-friendly destination and Chief Brown has held the line,” he said, “safeguarding our residential bubble and ensuring we remain the safest world class vacation destination for the millions of visitors we host each year.”