WEST LAFAYETTE — Mayor John Dennis announced Thursday that he isn't seeking a fifth term as mayor due to an early-onset Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis.
Dennis said he will finish his current term, which ends in December 2023, according to the announcement.
He was elected in 2007.
"My family time is becoming even more precious, and I want to put that at the forefront of my priorities," Dennis wrote in a statement.
Dennis wrote that he is "doing fine" and taking medication for his condition.
"I am making decisions as I have in the past and as I always have. Our city is fortunate to have excellent department heads who are the best in their fields. These men and women are excellent public servants and have always been empowered to make decisions and lead their departments.
"I will continue to lead this outstanding group as Mayor. I will continue to be active and fully involved in all city business. I love this city and it has been my greatest honor to serve the citizens of West Lafayette," his statement reads.
Dennis went to school in West Lafayette before graduating from Indiana University. He later moved to California, then to Ireland and finally to West Lafayette, according to Purdue University.
Once in West Lafayette, he served in the city's police department as a patrolman and later as Deputy Chief of Police. He worked for the department for 23 years.
-
IMPD finds13-year-old girl missing from Indy's east side safe
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was seeking the public's help in finding a missing 13-year-old girl last seen with an "unknown male" on Friday afternoon.
Overnight shootings injure two in Indianapolis
Indianapolis police say two people were shot and injured, one critically, after two shootings in downtown Indy and on Indy's west side.
Kentucky man arrested for attempted murder following road rage incident on I-65
A Kentucky man is behind bars after Indiana State Police said he shot another driver on I-65 Friday afternoon.
Movie about Jimmy Stewart to open Heartland Film Festival
The 35th Heartland Film Festival in Indy will feature the world premiere of "Jimmy," a biopic of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart. It will star KJ Apa, best known as Archie on The CW's "Riverdale."