The longtime police chief of Winona is retiring next year.

Frank Pomeroy says he'll call it quits on March 31, 2009 -- a day short of his 34th anniversary with the department, and with 22 years in the chief's job.

The local historical society says Pomeroy is the longest-tenured police chief in Winona history. Local leaders say the police department was in turmoil when Pomeroy took over and turned it around, while also improving crime statistics in the past decade.

Pomeroy will be 61 when he retires. He gives credit to his staff for his success.