Delavan Police Chief Michael Evans has resigned after more than 22 years with the Delavan Police Department, ending a career that began as a patrol officer and culminated in his leadership of the department.

Evans announced that he submitted his resignation effective Monday, July 6. His departure comes as the city names Carl Dodd to serve as interim police chief while officials determine the department’s long-term leadership.

In a statement, Evans reflected on his career and expressed gratitude to the community and those he worked alongside throughout his tenure.

“Serving the Delavan community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Evans said. “Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated police officers, school administrators, fire department members, emergency responders, community organizations, business owners and residents who care deeply about Delavan.”

Evans also highlighted the relationships between local agencies and organizations that he said contributed to public safety and community well-being.

“I have always valued the strong working relationships between the Police Department, Fire Department, Delavan schools and other community partners,” he said.

Evans concluded by offering his best wishes to those continuing the work he helped lead.

“I wish the officers of the Delavan Police Department, Interim Chief Dodd, our public safety partners, the schools and the Delavan community continued success,” Evans said.

Dodd now assumes leadership of the department on an interim basis, taking over at a time of transition for both the agency and the city.

The resignation has drawn attention not only because of Evans’ lengthy service record, but also because of broader concerns raised by some residents regarding recent departures of non-elected city officials. Critics have argued that Evans’ exit appears to fit a pattern in which appointed city leaders leave their positions without any explanations from city leadership. At this time, the city has not publicly announced a specific reason for Evans’ resignation beyond his own statement.

Another point noted by community members was the lack of public recognition for Evans during the most recent City Council meeting. Despite his more than two decades of service to Delavan, there was no formal acknowledgment or public expression of thanks from council members during the meeting.

For many residents, Evans’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the department. Having spent more than two decades serving the community and advancing through the ranks, his tenure leaves a lasting impact on the city’s law enforcement agency.