Kingfisher city commissioners recognized retiring Police Chief Dennis Baker and then appointed Assistant Chief David Catron as his successor at their monthly meeting Monday night.

Baker was joined at the meeting by his mother Goldie Baker, his wife Lora, daughter Keith Zapata and granddaughter Auden Zapata. Lisa Catron was present with her husband and Fire Chief Tony Stewart and a number of firemen attended the meeting to support their police colleagues.

Mayor Steve Richards proclaimed Tuesday — Baker’s last day on the job — as Dennis Baker Day, and he and Vice Mayor Roxie Alexander presented Baker with the official proclamation and an engraved wooden plaque listing his 1989 hire date as well as the dates he received each advanced rank (lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, chief).

Catron has been with the police department for 14 years and has served as assistant chief since the retirement ofJeff Townsend in 2018.

Baker was honored Tuesday afternoon at a reception at the police department.