Dallas police Chief David Brown announced his retirement Thursday, bringing an end to a tenure marked by police unions that at one time demanded his resignation and by widespread praise for his response to a July sniper attack that killed five officers.
Brown issued a statement saying he will retire Oct. 22 after 33 years with Dallas police. He was not immediately available for additional comment.
"I became a Dallas cop in 1983 because of the crack cocaine epidemic's impact on my neighborhood," he said in the statement. "I wanted to be part of the solution. Since that time I have taken great pride in knowing that we have always been part of the solution and helped to make Dallas the world class city it is today."
Brown's six years as police chief was tumultuous at times as he clashed with police union leaders and others.
Dallas earlier this year dealt with a surge in violent crime that reversed a decade-long decrease in killings and prompted friction between Brown and rank-and-file officers on how to combat the issue.
But his leadership following the July 7 shooting deaths of the officers drew broad praise from President Barack Obama and others.
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