ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Department's Executive Deputy Chief Andre Anderson is leaving the department, effective May 31.

The city says Anderson is moving on to serve as chief of police in a community near where his family resides.

Interim Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan appointed Anderson to the role in October 2020.

Anderson brought nearly 30 years of experience to the force, including his most recent role as interim police chief in Ferguson, Missouri.

In a statement, Anderson says the decision to leave Rochester was not easy and it was an honor to serve during the challenging months.

“Making the decision to leave Rochester was not an easy choice, but making a move to be closer to my family was the right decision for me at this time,” Anderson said in a statement. “It has been my honor to serve Rochester through a challenging time, and I thank Mayor Warren, Chief Herriott-Sullivan, the men and women of the Rochester Police Department and the citizens of Rochester for the opportunity to bring my experience to this great city and for being open to new ideas to move the department forward.” 

“EDC Anderson is moving on to serve as Chief of Police in a community near where his family resides," city communications director Justin Roj said in a statement. "Such a position is a blessing for him and his family, and Mayor Warren is grateful for his service to our city. He came to Rochester at a critical time and helped create a blueprint for our Police Department that Chief Herriott-Sullivan will continue to implement. His success here is similar to his good work in Ferguson, Missouri, where he served for a similar length of time. Mayor Warren and his colleagues throughout our community wish him well and thank him for his leadership.”

The department is now looking for his replacement.