Madison Chief of Police Richard Williams announced Saturday he is planning to retire from his position April 2. Noble Ray, assistant chief of police, will act as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.

Williams made the announcement at a Madison Professional Police Officers Association ball, in which “a couple hundred” people were in attendance, according to Mike Verveer, City Council President and Ald., District 4.

A five-member citizen body will immediately undertake a national search to find the replacement, Verveer said. He expects the process to take several months. The City Council and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will not participate in the search.

“The time is probably right for there to be a change. He leaves Madison with his head high and [with] a record of accomplishment,” Verveer said.

According to Verveer, many in the police department and city hall have been expecting Williams to retire. The chief has been less visible and less engaged throughout the past years, Verveer noted.

“I think to some it was a surprise. But it’s fair to say there have long been rumors over the past couple years the chief would retire.”

Verveer feels Williams has left a positive mark in Madison by de-centralizing police services geographically throughout the city. He also believes the chief made effective promotions during his tenure.

Williams, who has been serving as chief since 1993, will make an official announcement of his retirement today at a press conference.