LEWISTON – Police Chief William Welch officially retired Feb. 28, but he had signed on to serve the city for nearly five more years at 85 percent of his former salary.

That plan changed sometime after he showed up for work on March 2, the day after his official retirement date.

“It just didn’t feel right,” Welch said. “It’s been on my mind for quite a while since then, and so this is what I decided, for the health of the agency and for me personally. It just makes sense.”

Welch, 56, will leave his post as the city’s top cop on May 1. He intends to devote the rest of his time to family, including his twin grandsons Ethan and Dylan, 2 years old.

“They like to watch me on the TV when I’m at the City Council meetings,” Welch said. “Now I’ll be able to spend a little more time with them.”

Welch was one of three of the city’s top managers who took an early retirement deal last month. According to Maine State Retirement rules, some employees can continue working after they’ve officially retired. That allows them to collect both their retirement income – in Welch’s case, 70 percent of the average of his three highest annual salaries – and a regular city paycheck. Under the agreement, the three would receive 85 percent of their previous salaries from the city. Even though each would receive more income, the city would pay 15 percent less.

According to the proposed budget, Welch’s regular paycheck would have been $95,656 a year.

Human Resources Director Denis Jean plans to leave the city as of Dec. 31, 2010, as a part of the agreement. Fire Chief Paul Leclair will leave Dec. 31, 2012. Welch would have left Dec. 31, 2013.

“I’m still young enough that I can take my time and enjoy it,” Welch said. “Besides, I don’t want to be the guy that stayed too long.”

Welch joined Lewiston police as a patrolman in 1976, working his way up the ranks. He began as a youth liaison and resource officer, then as a detective, a sergeant, a lieutenant and finally a commander. He was picked to replace Michael Kelly as police chief in June 1998.

“I don’t think I ever had my sights on being the chief, but I wanted to be the best I could and achieve some rank,” Welch said. “But I was fortunate that I worked for the people that I worked for, and the timing was just right. All the stuff has to line up for those things to have happened.”

He has tried to focus on youth issues and juvenile and family crime during his time. He’s also encouraged his officers to work outside the city, with computer crimes task forces, national and regional drug task forces and anti-terrorism groups.

“Not everyone can get promoted, but the ability to work outside of your normal day-to-day routine, to do something different, is invaluable,” he said. “It allows the guys and the gals in the department to do what they need. Collaboration is a big thing, all a part of our community policing strategy.”

Welch said he would miss the staff most of all.

“I was talking with my daughter, and she said, ‘I’m 30 now, and I’ve never known you to be anything but a cop,'” Welch said. “It’s going to take some getting used to.”