HARRISONBURG, VA: (ROCKTOWN NOW) – After three years on the job, Harrisonburg Police Chief Kelley Warner is resigning from the force.

The city announced Thursday afternoon that Warner is leaving the department to become the chief of police in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania – a move that allows her to return closer to home.

City Communications Director Mike Parks told Rocktown Now that Warner’s “laser focus” on officer recruiting and retention during the pandemic put HPD on the path to a bright future.

“She has led our Police Department in a great new direction, and we’ve accomplished a lot of things under her leadership,” Parks said.

Parks added that while they are happy for Warner as she pursues the next chapter in law enforcement, HPD has been set up for success beyond her departure.

“We have a great command staff,” Parks said. “Our numbers are certainly improving since the pandemic when it comes to recruitment and retention.”

Warner will remain on the job through mid-June. After that, deputy chiefs Todd Miller and Rod Pollard will take over on an interim basis.