Fairport Chief of Police Announces His Retirement

The chief of the Fairport Police Department is hanging up his spurs.

The department shared Matthew Barnes’ letter of resignation Wednesday on Instagram.

Barnes, who is set to retire July 31, calls Fairport home after serving the village for more than two decades, becoming chief in 2022.

“Over 25 years ago, I came to Fairport not knowing a single soul, and today I call it home and share it with some of my most cherished friends,” he said in his resignation letter. “It has been my absolute honor serving you and this community and I am humbled to be able to have worn the uniform and patch of the Fairport Police Department.”

Barnes said he’s willing to stay with the department to help create a smooth transition for his successor.