He knew the way, he went the way, and he showed the way.  He had not only the vision but strived to be a yardstick of quality. He would not settle for anything less than excellence. He set the standards for himself and the institution, and inspired his colleagues to dream more and to do more. He was, all in all, a good chief.

As Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel left his office Monday, he did so with grace and dignity. It was a solemn moment for the Royal Bhutan Police to see their visionary leader retire to a quiet life after more than 35 years of service to the nation.

Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel received two consecutive extensions for leading the force in the most commendable way. He is widely credited as the one man who gave the police force a new face, so to speak. He saw that modernising the force was critically necessary to increase police responsiveness and efficiency. He also saw that police-public partnership could be more effective in dealing with rising crime.

“Today, I am both happy and sad,” he said in his valedictory speech. He was happy because he could achieve so much in little more than eight years as the chief of police. He was sad because he had bigger dreams to accomplish for the force and the nation. As a final word before he bowed out, he reminded the police that as the servant of the people it is important that they render their service well and urged the people to continue supporting the police.

Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel has left behind a much more efficient and responsive policing system that whoever comes in as the next chief can build on to make Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) a more professional and strong law enforcement body.

Brigadier, you served the nation well and you will be fondly remembered. We wish you a happy and peaceful retired life!

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