ALBANY, N.Y. — Tuesday was the official "piping out" ceremony for Albany's police chief, Brendan Cox. The 23-year department veteran is headed for a new job with the national LEAD Policing program.
The "piping out" is a police department tradition, with the outgoing chief following a bagpiper out of the department's front doors as the community wishes him well.
Cox took time to thank the entire community for his success as chief, but reserved special thanks for the men and women in the Albany Police Department.
"I've heard a ton of great compliments from people over the past month after I made the announcement, but you guys are the ones that have done the work," Cox said to his colleagues. "I may be the face of this department, but you guys are the ones that do the hard work, day in and day out, that make the difference in this community."
As TWC News first reported last month, Cox announced that he was retiring to take a leadership role with the nationwide LEAD program, which helps low-level offenders get their lives on track.
Cox has been recognized nationally for his work in community policing within Albany.
Deputy Chief Robert Sears will take his place as interim chief, while Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan begins the search for a permanent replacement.