FAYETTEVILLE -- Following about three-decades of service, Fayetteville's top cop is stepping down.

Chief Harold Medlock announced his upcoming retirement at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Medlock cited his health and his desire to spend more time with family.

"And so now it's time to take care of myself, get healed up from these nagging injuries that I have and take care of myself, take care of my family," said Medlock.

Chief Medlock didn't specify when he'd be walking away, but did reveal he will take time off at the beginning of October for a rotator-cuff injury.