UTICA, N.Y. -- Retired Utica Police Deputy Chief Richard Stemmer has passed away at the age of 75.
Stemmer was appointed to the Utica Police Department on January 1, 1965 and served for over 42 years, ultimately retiring in April of 2008.

Stemmer held each rank in the department over his career.
Utica Police Department Chief Mark Williams worked with him for 20 years. Williams says stemmer was a well-respected leader in the department.
“Dick Stemmer was good in dealing with the public and handling difficult community issues that would come up he was always a people person and he I was respecting others and they respected him and I hope that those are the traits our own officers have,” said Williams.
Funeral arrangements and services have not yet been announced.