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Commissioner Ramsey Announces He Will Retire in January

Published  October 14, 2015 5:13pm EDT
US
FOX 29 Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia Police Commission Charles Ramsey has announced that he will retire at the end of this year.

In a press conference Wednesday morning, Ramsey tearfully revealed that he will retire on January 7th of 2016.

The day will mark his 8th anniversary with the department. Ramsey had come out of retirement to serve as Police Commissioner under Mayor Michael Nutter.

Ramsey, 65, has served in law enforcement for 47 years.

He previously served in both Chicago and Washington D.C.

Commissioner Ramsey took the time to thank several people during his brief announcement, including the families of the eight officers who were killed in action during his time in Philadelphia.

Ramsey also thanked the media, who he says has been 'fair.'

Democratic Mayoral Candidate Jim Kenney has said that in the case of Ramsey's retirement, he would not hire a replacement from outside of the department.

According to the Associated Press, the number of homicides in the city has fallen from 391 in 2007, the year before Ramsey became commissioner, to 248 last year. This year has already eclipsed last year's murder rate, with 216 as of Tuesday. From 2008-14, there were an average of 299 killings per year.

Statement by the President on the Retirement of Commissioner Charles Ramsey:

"I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Charles "Chuck" Ramsey for his nearly five decades of leadership and service with some of this nation's largest law enforcement agencies. From Chicago to DC to Philadelphia, Commissioner Ramsey has always supported our women and men in uniform and the communities they bravely serve and protect each and every day. While I've known about his outstanding work over the years, it was when I appointed Chuck as a co-chair of my Task Force on 21st Century Policing that I was able to rely on his counsel and leadership. For several months earlier this year, he played a vital role in bringing together leaders from across the country to create a clear and concise report including key recommendations for building stronger trust between communities and the law enforcement agencies that protect them. I am extraordinarily grateful for Chuck's service and wish him an enjoyable and restful retirement."