AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Police Chief Brian Manley will retire at the end of March after 30 years of service to the department, city officials announced Friday.
"As most things in life come to an end at some point, my career with APD will do so as well with my retirement on March 28, 2021," Manley wrote in a letter to Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk and the department.
"It is impossible to put into words what this career has meant to me and the opportunities and experiences it has provided along the way," Manley wrote. "I have worked alongside true heroes every day who are willing to lay down their lives in protection of others, and sadly many did throughout my career."
Manley was elevated to the position of police chief in 2018, following the serial bombing case in which he was cited for his leadership, and a unanimous City Council vote.
"I want to thank Chief Manley for his leadership and service to the City of Austin," City Manager Spencer Cronk wrote in a memo to City Council. "He has been a dedicated public servant to this community for three decades and has proudly led the men and women of our police department during incredibly challenging times."
Manley has served his entire 30-year career with APD, being promoted to Assistant Chief in 2012, Chief of Staff in 2015, and Interim Police Chief in 2016, succeeding Art Acevedo who had left to run the Houston Police Department.
Cronk, in the memo, said he will begin a national search for Manley's replacement, and expects to appoint an interim police chief some time next month.
Manley has faced persistent calls for his resignation in recent months, which only increased in volume after the department caused serious injuries to some protesters following the deaths of George Floyd and Austin's own Michael Ramos.