Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Chief Tim Kozal announced his resignation to the police board at its regular monthly meeting Wednesday night.

Kozal, who replaced Kenneth Wray in 2014, has accepted the position as public safety director with the City of Manistee.

Manistee will vote on his position at its March 22 meeting.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead this team since 2014,” Kozal said. “I am confident that the inroads we have developed with the community, law enforcement and the school system will continue. I am blessed to have been surrounded by true believers in the organization, our vision and our goal to provide exemplary customer service to everyone.”

Kozal said he will continue to work with the department over the next few weeks, including the homicide trial that is scheduled to begin April. 11.

Ontwa Towsnhip Supervisor Jerry Marchetti, a member of the board, said a search for a new chief would begin quickly.