Interim Chief Robert Jacobs is stepping down, according to a memo from Mayor James Perkins Jr.’s office.

The memo, dated February 8, is a response to a retirement letter, according to the memo’s subject line.

In it, Perkins thanks Jacobs and Assistant Chief Jimmy Martin for their efforts in the Selma Police Department.

“The work done by you and Assistant Chief Jimmy Martin has been outstanding and appreciated,” the release states.

Jacobs was named Interim Police Chief of Selma after Perkins decided to remove the former chief, Robert Green, from office in October 2004.

Perkins said the city would conduct a nationwide search to find a suitable candidate for the job at the time.

Since posting it, the position has gotten about 50 applicants, according to city officials. Green is currently a Lieutenant in the SPD, a position he held before being named chief. He is also a finalist for a position as Chief of the Dothan Police, according to reports from the Dothan Eagle.

Perkins’ reply to Jacobs’ retirement doesn’t specify when the resignation will take effect, nor who will fill the position afterwards.

It does state that Jacobs worked extra time this month.

“Thanks for the extra time you provided during the month of February,” the letter states. “You have gone beyond the call of duty.”

Jacobs was called out of retirement to take the position as interim chief.

According to state law, as a retired employee, Jacobs could only work a limited number of hours. Perkins thanked Jacobs for taking the job in the memo as well.

“Words cannot express how much I appreciate you coming out of retirement to help stabilize our police department,” Perkins writes.

Attempts to contact Jacobs were unsuccessful as of presstime.