Update: Mason police chief to switch roles, retire

George Mason University Police Chief Mike Lynch will step out of his position on November 24 (photo courtesy of University Police Department).

George Mason University Police Chief Mike Lynch will change positions starting Nov. 24 and officially retire in August, according to an email sent by Vice President of Facilities Thomas Calhoun.

Lynch will step down as police chief beginning Nov. 24 and serve as special assistant and adviser to the university until he retires in August.

According to Calhoun, Lynch stepped into a new position, acknowledging that there were several significant leadership changes within the university. Lynch thought it would be best to "step aside and allow things to move forward," Calhoun said.

Lynch has been with the Mason police department for 13 years and his current contract was set to expire in August 2013.

Retired Montgomery County Assistant Chief of Police Drew Tracy will serve as interim police chief for Mason starting on November 26, 2012.

"Chief Lynch has overseen the development and growth of an outstanding police force during his service to the university. We are indebted to him for keeping the university safe and secure over these 13 years," Calhoun said in the email.

Connect2Mason contacted Lynch who declined comment on his retirement.

The nationwide search process for the next permanent police chief will take about three months, said Calhoun.