After six years of serving the city of Des Moines as its head of police, Police Chief Roger Baker will be retiring on June 15.

Baker announced his plans to retire on March 15. Des Moines City Manager Tony Piasecki said Baker still plans to work as a consultant and interim chief.

Before coming to Des Moines, Baker spent 29 years working for the Anaheim Police Department, serving as its Chief of Police from 1999 to 2003.

Piasecki said there were so many things that stood out about Baker, when he was being interviewed to become the Police Chief of Des Moines, but what impressed him the most was his professionalism and his positive attitude.

Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler said the impact Baker has had on the city is nothing short of huge.

"Things began to change for the better the moment he donned that uniform," Sheckler said.

There is usually a learning curve when you go into a new city, Sheckler said, but Baker bypassed that learning curve and came in running.

Sheckler cited the double-digit reduction in crime as Baker's biggest legacy.

"He never stopped, (he was) always looking for ways to improve," Sheckler said. Between 2008 and 2009 there has been a 10 percent decrease in 911 calls, Piasecki said.

Baker took a very proactive approach to crime prevention, Piasecki said.

"(Baker's) theory of policing is you don't just deal with the crime where it is occurring but where it is being allowed to occur," Piasecki said.

Which he explained does not mean people allowing crime to occur, but identifying areas that are attractive for illegal activities and making less attractive. That includes lighting, landscaping and teaching people what to look for.

Piasecki said even when there were discussing the budget cuts this year, which neither of them wanted to do, Baker always had the attitude that they could this; we will find a way to work with what me have and make the most out of it.

A new chief of Baker's ability will be hard to find, Piasecki said, but he is confident they will come close, for a couple of reasons.

The new chief will have a good community and police department to work with and Piasecki feels when candidates come in for an interview they will not only see a good group of police officers, but a city staff that is easy to work with as well.

Sheckler said finding a replacement for Baker will not be easy.

"To find a person of his caliber is going to be a real task for us," Sheckler said. "People like Roger Baker are few and far between."

Sheckler added he will miss Baker not only as a professional but also as a close personal friend.

Piasecki said the process of finding a new chief will take some time. He said he has not talked to the commanders yet, but an interim chief will be appointed when Baker leaves until a permanent candidate is hired.