Dallas Salutes Retired Chief David Brown

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – An emotional night in Downtown Dallas where the city saluted Retired Police Chief David Brown.

Brown walked into the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center to a standing ovation. He traded his uniform of 33 years for a suit and tie at a ceremony celebrating his career.

"I really appreciate the support so many of you have given me, so many names," says Brown. His first order of business after this emotional night… a well-deserved vacation.

"David Brown is Dallas, Texas. He provides a fair and balanced leadership at the times you need it most," says U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions.

Sessions and others praised Brown's leadership during the July 7th downtown sniper attack that killed four DPD and one DART officer.

"We are proud of the Dallas Police Department, proud of the uniform, and proud of Chief Brown," comments Interim DPD Chief, David Pughes.

Brown addressed the crowd of about 200. He says he doesn't see himself running for office, but before the celebration began he told reporters he is negotiating a new job, but won't say what it is. "I can just tell you I have a great interest in using the media platform to bring people together."

David Brown has become known for his call to action social statements and couldn't resist urging people to get involved in making the city better. "I'll never forget this moment and neither will you because we've got work to do."

One thing Brown will do, is continue to bridge the gap between inner city kids and police.

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