HOUSTON – Houston police chief Charles McClelland is retiring later this month he announced Tuesday.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said McClelland's retirement is effective Feb. 26.
"I want to thank Chief McClelland for his 39 years of service to this city," Turner said. "He has served this city well and has many accomplishments of which he should certainly be very proud. The city of Houston is certainly very proud of him."
Turner said the city's crime rate was lower during McClelland's six years than the previous six years, as well as decades ago.
"I want to thank all the citizens of Houston for allowing me the privilege to serve as your police chief. Secondly I want to thank all of the employees who have supported me," McClelland said. "I couldn't have done it without them."
McClelland also thanked his family and said part of his decision was based on seeing more of his family.
"I turned 61 yesterday and this is not a rash or emotional decision," McClelland said. "This is not a resignation, it's a retirement. And it's not a funeral. I want to make sure that people understand that and I want folks to be happy for me."
McClelland was sworn in as a police officer in September 1977, and was sworn in as police chief in April 2010.
He said he was most proud of the lower crime rates, HPD's stable financial resources and improving community relations. McClelland also said he will cherish pushing for naming HPD headquarters after Officer Edward A. Thomas, one of the department's first African-American officers and its longest-serving officer.
Turner said he has not yet named a replacement chief, but he will make a decision in the coming days.