CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake Police Chief David Linder plans to retire next spring after more than 30 years with the department.

Linder, 56, began his career in Crystal Lake as an officer in 1980. After climbing the ranks, he was promoted to chief in September 2005.

During his seven years as chief, Linder has been an advocate of cooperative policing programs such as putting resource officers in local high schools, forming neighborhood watch groups, and working closely with other area law enforcement organizations.

He has also implemented programs to curb underage drinking and promote safe driving practices in recent years. The department's Targeted Response Unit has worked with local businesses and community groups to reduce crime and traffic accidents. 

Linder has helped stretch the department's resources by making deals with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to crackdown on the regional drug trade and investigate cyber crimes.

In addition, Linder has been working with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies to improve the department. The Crystal Lake Police Department is expected to get accreditation from the national nonprofit group in the spring. 

"The Crystal Lake Police Department has evolved to become a more professional department under [Chief Linder's] leadership," Crystal Lake City Manager Gary Mayerhofer said Monday.

Even after more than three decades at the department, Linder still brings the "enthusiasm and zeal" of a new recruit to the job every day, Mayerhofer said.

"He's a valuable member of the city staff and has earned the respect of his peers and coworkers," Mayerhofer said. "He should be proud of his accomplishments and those of the men and women of the Crystal Lake Police Department."

City officials plan to launch a national search for a replacement next month, Mayerhofer said.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley has frequently praised Linder and his department at city council meetings for making Crystal Lake a safe place to live, work and sleep.

In a 2009 survey, 86 percent of residents surveyed rated the safety of their neighborhood after dark as "excellent or good."

Longtime Councilman Ralph Dawson said Linder "has done an excellent job as chief" and was able to maintain a "good rapport" with the department's police officers.

Linder, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, oversees a department with an annual budget of $9.8 million in fiscal 2012-13 and the equivalent of 80 full-time employees. He is paid an annual salary of $142,000. 

He couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday afternoon.