Vancouver Police Department Chief Adam Palmer has announced his resignation.
His move comes after 37 years with the force.
"I'm exciting to let everybody know that today, I'm announcing my retirement from the VPD at the end of April," Palmer said during a press conference on Tuesday. "As a kid, I always wanted to be a cop. I've served my entire 37 plus year career as a member of the VPD."
He explained that he began as a patrol officer in East Vancouver while in his twenties, working his way up through the decades to eventually take the top spot in 2015.
"It's been a privilege and an honour and a truly humbling experience to serve the people of Vancouver as the 31st chief constable of the VPD for the past ten years," Palmer added. "Every day, I had the honour of working with the finest people I have ever met."
He called his colleagues "everyday heroes," and reminded everyone the lengths they go to to keep people safe.
"I would do it all over again in a heartbeat without thinking twice," Palmer said, reminiscing about the ups and downs of his career. "I'll always be proud to say that I served my career as a member of the VPD."
He emphasized that his resignation was his choice, and that it was "good timing" given how crime statistics are looking in the city.
Palmer thanked Mayor Ken Sim for "focusing the city of Vancouver back on public safety, and bringing common sense back to city hall," as well as the Vancouver Police Board, the Vancouver Police Union, and his family and friends.
He noted that while the board will conduct a nationwide search for a new chief, he believed his successor would be one of the deputy chiefs who have served under him for years.
"I'm 100% at peace with my decision, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life," Palmer concluded, adding that, he "will be doing something else" and telling those in attendance "you probably won't see the last of me."