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Laurinburg will lose the man serving as its top cop at the end of the month.

City officials confirmed Thursday afternoon that that Police Chief John Evans plans to retire.

Laurinburg police Capt. Kimothy Monroe will act as the interim police chief until a replacement is found.

Evans was also serving as the interim fire chief. Fire Lt./Inspector Randy Gibson will take over as interim fire chief.

City Human Resources Director Amy Martin told the Exchange today that Evans would be retiring Dec. 31 of 2012 and that he will likely take accrued vacation time in the weeks prior to his retirement.

“I think he does have a few weeks of vacation he has to use, so he won’t be here for all of the remaining time,” Martin said.

Evans did not return repeated telephone calls to his office. Evans is said to have informed members of his staff of the decision earlier in the week. The retirement comes just two days after the sudden resignation of City Manager Ed Burchins. Officials say the departures are not related.

Separation pay

Martin said that Evans will qualify for “separation allowance” in the amount of $21,931.07 annually until the age of 62. Evans is

“Every police officer in the state of North Carolina qualifies for separation allowance and the city is required to pay it by law,” Martin said.

The separation allowance total is based on a formula that factors in longevity, age and salary.

Evans will also qualify for his pension from the police retirement system. That compensation will not be paid by the city.

Monroe has chosen to withold comment until after Dec. 31.