Wichita Police Chief Norman Williams, who has served in the department for nearly 40 years, says he will resign, effective Sept. 5

Williams announced his resignation Thursday in a news release and police briefing. He began his career as a police officer in Wichita in 1975 and moved up to through the department before becoming chief on April 14, 2000.

He said he had been considering retirement for about a year but wanted to wait until his command staff was in place.

City Manager Robert Layton said information regarding an interim chief or successor will be released at a later date.