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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Mayor Mike Rawlings answered questions about Chief Brown's retirement this afternoon from the Dallas City Hall Flag Room.

"In the wake of the tragic shootings of July 7, when we lost four DPD officers and a Dart officer, the whole world learned what a special man leads our Dallas police," Rawlings said of the 33-year veteran of the department.

He called today's announcement about Brown's retirement "bittersweet" and said he's a man of integrity and courage.

"Chief Brown has led at a time when the demographics of the city have been changing as well. His sworn force is reflective of the community it serves. For the first time, DPD's staff is a majority, minority," said Rawlings.

When Brown steps down on October 22, he will be the longest serving chief in recent decades.

"We know why Chief Brown held the position as long as he did, and why he held the job as long as he did," said Rawlings. "He is a man that believes in the simple proposition, do what is right and treat everyone with respect."

Both Mayor Rawlings and City Manager A.C. Gonzalez expressed genuine regret that the Chief is retiring.

"Selfishly, I wish Chief David Brown was staying on until June 2019 when I'll be leaving," said Rawlings.

Mean time, Assistant Chief David Pughes will assume the role of interim police chief.

"Mr. Gonzalez made his decision on the interim chief, putting David Pughes in there. We think he's a hell of a leader and will do a great job, but  it will be the next city manager 's job. It will be our job as council to pick the next city manager. That will be an important interview question," said Rawlings.

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