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Cockeysville police chief retired

When the Cockeysville police precinct's commander Marty Lurz decided to retire, he let the community know the same way he has kept them informed for years. He sent out a mass email.

"After thirty-eight years, four months and twenty-two days (yes, including nine leap year days over that time span!), I have decided that it's time to move on and retire, effective November 1st, 2011," he wrote in his Oct. 27 email. "It was truly a pleasure to work with folks who really care about their community and realize the importance of working with the police department to reduce crime and improve the quality of life. I believe that quality service and building close working relationships with our residents is the key to creating allies against crime."

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For years, Lurz has sent out emails warning certain communities about break-ins or scams, and reminding people to keep doors and windows locked. Many people then forwarded his messages on to others.

"I always sent Marty's emails on to some 150 people on my Hereford Community Association list," said Paul Cummins, association president. "He truly believed that a partnership between the community and the police was important in keeping crime down. I was always extremely impressed with Marty."

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Lurz, 57, started his police career as a 19-year-old cadet in June 1973 in the radio room as a dispatcher at the Garrison precinct.

"Some two-thirds of my life has been spent in this job. It's time to move on and get away from the stress," he said.

He has been assigned to the Cockeysville precinct for 15 years. He was shift commander for four years, assistant commander for five years, and has been commander for the past six years.

Lt. Bob McGraw, assistant commander who is also in charge of Community Outreach, will take over as Cockeysville precinct until Police Chief Jim Johnson names a permanent commander.

Many community members know McGraw, who frequently attends community association meetings to report on local crime and answer questions.

"I'm a lieutenant and not slated to be promoted," said McGraw, 47. "I'm going to keep Marty's email chain going and try to let people know about crime in their areas."

Lurz, who is married with two adult daughters, plans to divide his time between his southern Pennsylvania home and Nags Head, N. C., where he recently bought a house.

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