DAVENPORT &#8212 The city’s police chief said he will step down later this month to begin a job with the U.S. attorney’s office.

Police Chief Mike Bladel confirmed that his last day will be Sept. 15 and will start his new job as law enforcement coordinator for the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of Iowa.

“I think it’s an excellent opportunity to continue to support public safety,” Bladel said.

Bladel joined the Davenport Police Department in 1971. He was elected Scott County sheriff in 1992 and was re-elected twice before he was named police chief in 2000.

In his new post, Bladel will work to increase cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and developing training programs.