WEBSTER, N.Y. — The town of Webster is looking for a new police chief. Joseph Rieger announced this week that he’s retiring. His has been a career of highs and lows. Of cases solved, and unsolved.

Reiger shared thoughts on his long career, and what the future holds, with Spectrum News.

For Joe Rieger, it’s been quite a trip. The Webster police chief, who will retire next month after a law enforcement career spanning 32 years, browsed through boxes of old photographs at police department headquarters Tuesday. Rieger, who has served as chief of police since 2014, announced the day before his intention to step aside.

"The department right now is in great standing," said Rieger, a native of Webster. "We have a lot of really qualified people in the department, and it just a good time to move on and hand the reins over to some younger officers."

Reiger began his career as a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. He took a job as a patrol officer in Webster, working his way up the ranks through the years. He says it’s been a rewarding career.

Plenty of cases stand out. Rieger was part of the response in 2003 when a gunman shot two people at the Xerox Federal Credit Union, killing one victim, Raymond Batzel. The case was finally closed with a conviction just last year. Richard Wilbern was sentenced this year to life in prison.

Some experiences don’t require photos to relive. Like the Christmas Eve 2012 fire and subsequent ambush which killed two West Webster firefighters, including Michael Chiapperini, who served as the police department’s PIO.

"There are people that, you know, it still haunts them, I'm sure, daily," said Rieger. "I have known the family for years. That’s one case that obviously you'll never forget."

Another case which bothers Rieger is the 1995 disappearance of a 16-year-old girl. Kelley Gaffield’s body was found by hunters months later. Her killing remains unsolved.

"As a chief you want to see all your cases get solved," he said. "I know the family, have met the family and I feel for them because it’s something that's not closed."

Policing has changed so much in 30 years. So too have the challenges. Rieger, who has taken a job with a non-profit in animal-related law enforcement, believes the next chief, whoever that is, will be up to the task.

"I'm leaving the department in great hands," he said. "And the younger generation to just build upon what's already here, which is already great."