Perry Public Safety Director George Potter retired Friday due to health reasons.

A 42-year law enforcement veteran, he served as police chief in Perry since 1996, after previously working 26 years in the Columbus Police Department. In 2006 was named the public safety director, which also put him over the fire department.

Potter said Saturday he has been battling cancer for 11 years and could no longer put in the time needed into the job.

“I can’t work as well as I used to,” he said. “The city deserves someone who can work.”

He said he and his wife will remain in Perry and he will continue to have some involvement with the police department, although he won’t be employed. Next week he said he will be assisting with a promotion review.

“I love law enforcement and I love the City of Perry and I hate to leave them,” he said. “They are well trained and I know they are going to do well.”

He said the decision was his and no one with the city pressured him into it. Last week the city named its new public safety training facility after him.

Mayor Jimmy Faircloth said city council will discuss the vacant position at its regularly scheduled work session Monday.

“We will not be without leadership,” he said. “He has done a fantastic job for the city and will be sorely missed.”

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.