Post Falls Police Chief Pat Knight will retire effective Aug. 31.

Knight began his career in law enforcement in the early '90s as a marine deputy with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

The Post Falls Police Department hired Knight as a patrol officer in 1994. Since then, calls for service rose from about 14,000 per year to more than 40,000.

Knight was one of the first two motorcycle officers for the city of Post Falls.

“I was two years into my career and could not believe I was actually going to be able to ride a motorcycle every day,” he recalled. “What a cool job!”

He’s served as chief since 2018.

The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce named Knight the 2020 Citizen of the Year.

“His volunteer involvement spans both business and nonprofit efforts,” Jerry Lyon said at last year’s gala, where Knight was honored. “The impact of 25 years in the community is immeasurable.”

Knight has served as a board member and wish granter for Make-A-Wish Idaho. He also has volunteered with the Young Lives organization and the Holidays and Heroes program.

He is the former Vice President of the Kootenai County Police & Fire Memorial and former secretary treasurer of Idaho-Montana FBINAA Chapter.

“It has been a sincere pleasure to work with Chief Knight,” said Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson. “I am extremely proud of our police department and their strong partnership with our community.”

Jacobson said Knight has demonstrated true servant leadership throughout his career.

“Chief Knight will be sincerely missed,” he said.

The city will begin the recruitment process for a new chief immediately.