SOAP LAKE — After four years in the position, Glenn Quantz will be stepping down as Soap Lake Police Department chief on Aug. 31.

The announcement that Quantz was resigning was made public by Mayor Raymond Gravelle during Wednesday night’s council meeting, according to Deputy Clerk Anita Richardson. Gravelle appointed Sgt. Ryan Cox as interim chief, a position he will hold until a new chief is found. Cox has been in law enforcement since 2006 and has worked in state, city and tribal departments, according to the city. Richardson said the city will be contacting the civil service commission to start the search process for the city’s next chief.

"When I took the job in July of 2012 my intention was to get the agency up and running and then to step away," Quantz told the Columbia Basin Herald on Thursday. "It was hard work to get the agency where it is today, but I am happy about where it is at as I am stepping away."

Quantz said he doesn't really have concrete plans on what line of work he will pursue next. He stated he is open to taking a civilian job, but would also consider accepting an interim police chief position if the situation presented itself and was the right fit for him.

Quantz has spent over 30 years in law enforcement, including 17 years in Thurston County and three years in Mason County. Prior to working in Soap Lake Quantz held the title of chief in Grangeville, Idaho for about three years. He was initially hired on as Soap Lake’s interim chief in July 2012 following the resignation of former chief Jim Dorris, who resigned in June 2012.

Quantz’s leadership was brought into question in June after an accountability report released by the Washington State Auditor’s Office took issue with the SLPD’s use of equipment that was provided to the department through a surplus military program. The report found that $20,000 worth of equipment was stored at Quantz’s personal business, the ULBFIT Training Center. A police department volunteer had previously said the equipment was stored at the center because the city lacked storage space.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com