Shippensburg University Police Chief Cytha Grissom is retiring after 15 years of service at SU. 

Grissom has been in law enforcement for 38 1/2 years, including 22 years serving the Gettysburg Borough. She chose the career path because she wanted to help others.

“It’s corny, but I wanted to help and defend those who couldn’t do it for themselves,” Grissom said.

After spending the last 15 years of her career at SU, Grissom said she is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

“I want to spend time with her,” she said, pointing at a desktop screensaver of her great-niece.

Grissom also talked about what life during retirement will look like. 

“I’m most looking forward to doing nothing. No decisions. No job responsibilities. I want to travel, without being tethered to my cell phone at all times,” she said. “Sometimes I’m sad because I think ‘I’m not going to be chief,’ and then I’m really happy and think ‘Hey! I’m not the chief!’ I am definitely going to miss it though.”

Grissom’s favorite and least favorite part of her job is the same thing — interaction with students. 

“I’ve always enjoyed meeting and talking with students. There’s always been a good relationship at SU. We talk about the police doing good things and how our officers have positively impacted their lives. Unfortunately, we also have to sometimes tell students things they don’t want to hear. Most of the time, it’s about a parking ticket. And the paperwork,” she added. “Nobody likes paperwork.”

After a period of relaxation and travel, Grissom said she might start working again but not in law enforcement.  

“I recently became [a] certified veterinarian assistant and would like to do that part-time if there’s a place that needs help.”

Grissom’s retirement is effective Jan. 18, 2019. The search for her successor is currently underway.

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