Joining the department in 1983, Lifford has worked in such areas of the force as ABC enforcement, sniper teams, administration, and patrol. Lifford was also responsible for the development of the teleservice unit. He became the assistant chief in January of this year.
Other accomplishments include being the executive director for the Gastonia Police Foundation, being a founding memeber of Girls on the Run of Gaston County, and serving on the board of directors of Gastonia's Rotary Club.
Officials said a retirement ceremony will take place at 2:00 Friday afternoon to commemorate Lifford's service. The ceremony will be in the community room of Gastonia's police department at 200 E. Long Avenue. Lifford plans to graduate from the Charlotte School of Law with a law degree in May of 2013.