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.

Nelson was honored with a reception before walked out and was whisked away in a vintage squad car.

"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.

In:
• Peter Haskell
• New York City Police Department