ARLINGTON — Police Chief Robert Sullenberger is heading back to where he started his career in law enforcement.

Sullenberger, who joined the Arlington Police Department in April 2009, has accepted a job as Division Chief with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado.

Sullenberger announced Aug. 17 that his last day in Arlington will be Sept. 17.

With the exception of the past year, Sullenberger had spent his entire 32-year career with the Boulder Police Department, rising through the ranks of the agency.

He eventually retired as Deputy Chief of Police for Operations with the Boulder Police.

“It has been a great honor to serve the people of Arlington and the members of the Arlington Police Department,” Sullenberger said in a statement. “I wish to thank the city for the awesome opportunity and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Arlington Mayor Margaret Larson said that Sullenberger accomplished a great deal during his short time with the city.

“I am sad to see Bob leave the city and will miss him and his leadership,” Larson said.

City officials anticipate the search for the city’s next police chief to take three to four months.

City of Arlington spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said that an interim police chief will likely be announced in the upcoming weeks before Sullenberger leaves.

Sullenberger was selected by the city of Arlington in January 2009 after being selected as one of six finalists for the open position.

Thirty-eight individuals applied for the position.

Sullenberger’s announcement comes four months after Arlington Fire Chief Jim Rankin said that he would be retiring as of July 1.

The city has kept Rankin, who came to Arlington in 2005, as a consultant while officials search for a replacement.

In July, officials said that the search for a new fire chief would also take three to four months.