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DALLAS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The man who became the face of the Dallas Police Department after the ambush shootings in July that killed five officers will leave the force next month, he said in a surprise announcement Thursday. Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown revealed the plans in a statement Thursday, which will bring to an end his 33-year tenure in the department.
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"After much prayer, I am announcing my retirement from the Dallas Police Department after 33 years as a Dallas police officer," his statement said. "My retirement will be effective October 22, 2016."
Brown gave no reason for his decision to retire but said he will reveal more at a news conference on Sept. 8.
"Serving the citizens of Dallas in this noble profession has been both a true honor and a humbling experience," he added.
Brown joined the Dallas force in 1983 and rose through the ranks in the three decades that followed. His tenure chief has been mixed, NPR assessed in a report Thursday.
The chief became a well-known figure following the July 7 shooting of five patrol police officers at a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Dallas. A disgruntled military veteran who was killed by police was implicated in the attack.
"Let's always remember the fallen officers including the five officers on July 7, 2016, and the brave men and women of the Dallas Police Department for their sacrifices to keep Dallas safe," Brown stated. "Their memory will remain with all of us forever. I know the people of Dallas will never forget the ultimate sacrifice they made on the streets of our city that awful night."
It wasn't immediately known who might replace Brown as the department's chief.
