Longtime Ocean Shores Police Chief Mike Styner was honored for more than 36 years of service to the city during Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Styner last month announced his retirement effective at the end of March.

Styner will be replaced by Deputy Police Chief Neccie Logan, who has been with the department since November 2014 and accepted the Chief’s position when offered by Mayor Crystal Dingler. She was sworn in by the mayor after Styner was presented with a commemorative plaque made by local woodworker Dennis Hogan and with gifts from the Ocean Shores Fire Department, which Styner also oversaw for several years.

Following a round of standing ovations for the retiring Styner, the regular council meeting then was recessed for a catered banquet spread and photo session featuring the Ocean Shores Police force.

Dingler noted the celebration was not just because the chief was retiring, but because “he has done a terrific job for this city for over 36 years. Most of us don’t spend that much time in marriages, let alone in jobs. He has done just a tremendous job for us and he has always been available to everyone. “

The plaque was inscripted with honors for Styner for his “unwavering commitment to serve and protect the people of Ocean Shores. With courtesy and sympathy, you have helped many through the worst days of their lives. You have led by example and engendered a sense of duty and impartiality. Staunchly loyal, you have served as friend and advisor to three mayors. Your leadership as both fire and police chief was an example to a whole generation of officers.”

Styner called the past 36 years “an interesting ride in the city of Ocean Shores” and thanked his fellow officers and firefighters he served with.

“There has always been support for what we have been trying to do from both departments,” he said.”This town is very lucky to have the committed staff that they have working for them.”

Styner also thanked Dingler and the other mayors he had worked with: “It’s been a pleasure serving with you as well as your two predecessors. I have appreciated the camaraderie with you and the others who were willing to listen to what I had to say.”

Interim Fire Chief Brian Ritter noted he was six years old when Styner began working for Ocean Shores. He gave Styner a coffee cup with both fire and police logs on each side, as well as a fire helmet colored police blue.

“He served us well. He was there for the city, in a lot of times of sorrow and in a lot of times when people wern’t able to hold it together. Chief Mike Styner held it together all the time, every time,” Ritter said.

North Coast News: Retiring Ocean Shores Police Chief Mike Styner takes a group photo with the rest of the Ocean Shores Police Department during ceremonies for chief on March 27 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.