NYPD Chief Gerald Nelson Of Brooklyn North Retires After 41 Years
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With his colleagues cheering, NYPD Chief Gerald Nelson walked out of Brooklyn North Headquarters in uniform for the final time Friday.
"It's mixed emotions, of course it's happy because I'm ending my career, but when you work in the NYPD as long as I did then it's bittersweet," said Nelson, who is retiring after 41 years with the department.
Nelson said one of worst days in his career came just last December when two of his officers were executed in their patrol car.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said Nelson is a special commander.
"The community loved him, cops loved him so that tells you everything you need to know about him," Bratton said.
Rows of cops cheer retiring #NYPD Chief Gerald Nelson. 41yr vet turns 63 tomorrow. @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/e4TVLT3MYa
— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) February 13, 2015
Nelson was honored with a reception before walked out and was whisked away in a vintage squad car.
NICE RIDE. #NYPD Chief Gerald Nelson being driven away from work for last time. Cmdr of Brooklyn North. @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/WyM3pPA2NA
— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) February 13, 2015
"I'm leaving this city so much time in the books I didn't take very many vacations, now it's time to live," said Nelson, who celebrates his 63rd birthday Saturday.