Hundreds of officers lined the sidewalk outside police headquarters during a tribute for retiring Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore Thursday.
The event was a celebration of Moore’s 40-year career with LAPD and on his last day on the job, his fellow officers said goodbye.
The veteran L.A. police chief exited the downtown headquarters to an Honor Cordon, considered one of the department’s highest tributes.
It was just last month that the 63-year-old Moore, who rose through the ranks and was sworn in as chief in 2018, announced his retirement.
During his tenure as chief, he faced civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic and skyrocketing crime and homelessness. As he leaves the department, the force is struggling with retention and staffing levels.
At city hall earlier this week, Mayor Karen Bass recognized Moore’s service and praised his leadership.
“I’ve enjoyed this year of working with you closely. I do hope that we stay in touch,” Bass said. “I know that Cyndy and your daughter will be happy to have you home full-time.”
Moore followed the mayor’s statements, calling it “his distinct honor and privilege to serve for more than four decades and certainly the five-plus years as the chief of police in what I feel is the finest police department in the world.”
As for his retirement, the 63-year-old says his focus will now be spending more time with his family.
Assistant Chief Dominic Choi will take over as interim chief starting March 1.
A nationwide search is now on for the department’s 58th chief.
