POULSBO — After almost three decades of service to Little Norway Poulsbo Police Chief Jeff Doran announced his decision Thursday to turn in his badge and hang up his gun.

Doran’s last day on the force will be March 31, 2007, when he retires after 28 years in Poulsbo and 31 years total in law enforcement.

“With 31 years in law enforcement, I decided that was enough and it was time to move on,” Doran said.

Nothing in particular, not even the upcoming process study of the department, led to his decision, he said.

“It’s always been challenging, but the thing I’m going to miss is the people,” he said. “I can’t think of better people to work with.”

When he began his career with the department as a patrol officer in 1978, Doran worked his way through the ranks before being appointed chief in 1992 by Mayor Mitch Mitchusson.

“I remember him when he was a sergeant,” Mayor Kathryn Quade said. “I’m just very pleased at the job he’s done.”

Throughout his tenure, Quade said Doran has been a sure-handed, steadying presence on the force as it has grown along with the city.

“He’s certainly helped me through my first year,” she said. “I think he’s well-respected by his men, and I’m sorry to see him go.”

However, Quade said she understands Doran’s desire to move on after such a long tenure with the department.

Councilman Jim Henry, who currently serves on the council’s public safety committee, had two words to describe the job Doran has done: “Damn fine, damn fine.”

One of the consistent things about Doran was his unflappable nature and how he always rose to the challenge, Henry said.

“I hate to see him go,” Henry said. “It will be hard to replace him, it really will.”

Even Doran admitted retiring wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the one he knows is right. Among the things he’s noticed during his time with the department has been how the city council continually supported his department’s efforts.

“The city has always stood behind us, and I think that everybody on the council realizes how important quality of life is,” he said.

That support has allowed the department to grow with the city and as Poulsbo’s population has tripled since 1978, so has the number of officers on the force, he said.

While many incidents over the years are noteworthy, the way his officers responded to the Nov. 4, 2005 murder of Kitsap Mental Health Services county designated mental health professional Marty Smith stands out, Doran said.

“You only get one chance to do it right, and our guys did a fantastic job,” Doran said. “That tells you what you need to know about this department.”