ALBANY, N.Y. -- After more than 20 years with the department, Albany Police Chief Steven Krokoff announced he's heading south to take a job in Georgia.
"As a friend I can completely understand the pull of family and the importance of that," said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
After nearly five years at the helm of the Albany Police Department, Chief Steven Krokoff is headed for a warmer climate.
"There are very few people in their golden years turn to their loved ones and say they wish they had spent less time with family," Krokoff said at a news conference Monday morning.
Krokoff came into office with the promise of community policing, an initiative he says has been an unbridled success.
"People wave to us driving in the streets now," Krokoff said. "People hug me when they see me in the streets. It's not me that they are hugging. I just happen to be the face of the department. It's because of the relationship we have created."
True to his character, Krokoff wouldn't take credit for the transformation of the department, instead giving all the praise to the officers he served with and the people he served.
"Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I will never be able to repay that debt of gratitude, and I look forward to seeing Albany flourish in the future," he said.
Sheehan has appointed Deputy Chief Brendan Cox as acting chief, saying she feels no need to rush finding a permanent replacement
"[Cox] is a true leader, and he has created a command and a leadership team that will survive him, and that really is the definition of a true leader," the mayor said.
Krokoff will be the new police chief in Milton, Georgia, a small suburb of Atlanta, and says while it is bittersweet, he is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.
His retirement in Albany is effective April 1.