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NYPD Chief Of Department Rodney Harrison Retiring At End Of Year

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD announced Thursday its highest ranking uniformed police officer, Chief of Department Rodney Harrison, is retiring at the end of the year.

In 2019, he made history as the first African American to become chief of detectives.

Earlier this year, Harrison was promoted again and will end his 30-year career as chief of department.

"Rodney has been not only a trusted advisor, and friend, but exactly the kind of innovative leader our city and our department has needed in these challenging times," NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement. "He has performed in every rank – from patrol officer, to undercover officer displaying tremendous valor, to Chief of Department – with knowledge, skill, integrity, and a great passion for our continuing mission to always protect life and property and to build lasting relationships with those we serve. We will miss him, but we wish him well."

His departure coincides with the end of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration.

Mayor-elect Eric Adams is looking to replace the police commissioner, bringing a change in vision and leadership of the NYPD.

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