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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) Newport News Police Chief Richard Myers plans to retire from the department Sept. 1,according to an email obtained by 10 On Your Side.

Myers has been serving the city since January 2014, after former chief James Fox retired.

We have been fortunate to have Rick as our Chief of Police these past three and a half years, City Manager Cindy Rohlf said. With his extensive knowledge and experience in law enforcement, he has served the citizens of Newport News well during his tenure here.

Before that, he was the interim police chief in Sanford, Florida. Thats the city where Trayvon Martin was shot by George Zimmerman.

Myers was brought in there to essentially clean up the department and restore public trust after the controversial shooting.

Myers will become the executive director of a national police chiefs organization.

The city released a state from Myers Tuesday afternoon:

It has been an honor and a privilege working with this Police Department, the City Manager, and City Council, as well as the citizens of this great city. This department truly exemplifies professionalism and community policing, and I am proud to have been a part of that This new opportunity is a natural and timely transition from being a chief while still being able to continue to serve my profession.

City officials say they will be conducting an extensive national search for Myers replacement. An interim chief has not yet been named.

Stay with WAVY.com for updates to this developing story.

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Newport News police chief plans to retire from department - WAVY-TV