Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer will enter a deferred retirement program this month, according to a news release from Omaha City Mayor Jean Stothert.

Schmaderer recently completed 25 years of service with the Omaha Police Department, and thus he has become eligible for retirement.

Last month, Schmaderer informed Stothert that he instead would enter the city’s Deferred Retirement Option Program. This allows Schmaderer to continue as chief for as long as five years.

The DROP program is available to sworn Omaha police and fire personnel, allowing the city to retain experienced personnel for five additional years.

“I am pleased that Chief Schmaderer will continue to serve as our police chief. We have made a lot of progress together to make Omaha a safer city,” Stothert said in a statement. “He is a valued member of my team, an adviser and friend. He is a strong and respected leader in the police department and in our community.”

All participants in DROP continue contributions to the Police and Fire Pension Fund, but do not accrue additional pension benefits. Upon entering the program, the person’s pension is calculated and frozen at that amount, and they are no longer eligible for promotion or other benefits.

Schmaderer’s monthly gross pension benefit will be $14,796.45. Schmaderer’s DROP application will go on the April agenda of the Police and Fire Board and Personnel Board.