Desert Hot Springs PD Chief and Commander will voluntarily retire

In a phone call to News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2, Desert Hot Springs mayor Adam Sanchez confirmed that chief of police Kate Singer, and police Commander Ken Peary will voluntarily retire on Monday.

An e-mail was sent from Interim City Manager Bob Adams to city staff and council on Friday night announcing the retirements. The retirements come in the midst of a financial crisis for the city. Negotiations between the police union and the city have been taking place to evaluate where to make needed cuts to help avoid bankruptcy.

Adams is working out the details of the retirements and in the interim Commander Dan Bressler will take charge of the department.

Here is the full text of the e-mail sent to city employees Friday night regarding Chief Singer:

“It is with regret that I announce that Police Chief Kate Singer has decided to retire effectivetoday. She has served the Desert Hot Springs Police Department well in various command posts, and most recently as Chief of Police sinceAugust 2012. Chief Singer has shown an affection for the community and great concern for the working conditions of her officers. She will be missed.

As she steps down, I am naming Commander Daniel Bressler to serve as Acting Police Chief, with all the authority, rights and privileges that come with the Chief position.

Bob Adams

Interim City Manager

City of Desert Hot Springs.”