The chief of the Sunriver Police Department is retiring this week, and a man with a long history in law enforcement will be taking the top job.

Chief Michael Womer, who has served in the department for nine years, plans to retire Thursday, according to a press release.

In September, the Sunriver Service District Board voted unanimously to appoint Lt. Stephen Lopez to take his job.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the chief of police for such a professional department and such a supportive community,” said Lopez.

Lopez has worked in law enforcement for more than 17 years. He worked for the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff in California from 2006 to 2020, eventually becoming a lieutenant.

Lopez joined the Sunriver Police Department as a sergeant in January 2021 and in a year was promoted to lieutenant. He has taken on a variety of roles in his law enforcement career, including watch commander, crowd control commander, internal affairs investigator and assistant commander of the training and compliance division.

Lopez also teaches criminal justice courses at Central Oregon Community College and coaches girl’s varsity rugby at Summit High School. He will begin his job as chief on Friday.