A veteran member of the Mount Airy Police Department has left the force, and no one officially is saying why.

The departure of Detective Tim Hodges was confirmed Wednesday afternoon by Police Chief Dale Watson.

“He no longer works with us — that’s true,” Watson said, adding that Hodges’ service with the department ended on April 7.

However, the police chief declined to specify the exact circumstances involved, including whether the detective had resigned voluntarily. “No sir, I can’t get into that,” Watson said. “I can just say he’s no longer employed by the Mount Airy Police Department.”

Matters regarding certain personnel actions are not required to be released to the public.

Hodges joined the city police force about 10 years ago. He initially worked in the Patrol Division and later was a detective in the narcotics unit. At the time of his departure, Hodges was assigned as a regular detective in the Criminal Investigation Division, which he had joined in the fall of 2008.

“He was probably one of the hardest-working detectives and investigators,” said the chief, who called Hodges “very dedicated.”

“His service and dedication were very appreciated,” Watson added.

During his work in the narcotics realm, Hodges was involved in a major undercover investigation in Northwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. While probing the interstate narcotics activities, he served as a special drug task force officer with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

That investigation led to the arrests of dozens of suspects and the seizure of at least $5 million worth of methamphetamine and other illegal substances along with hundreds of weapons.

Hodges could not be reached for comment Wednesday regarding his departure from the police department. “We wish him well in his future endeavors,” Watson said.

The former officer was one of four regular detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division, not counting narcotics.

“We’re hoping to fill that vacancy as soon as allowable,” the police chief said.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.