NEW YORK, New York (WABC) -- After over three decades with the NYPD, Chief John Chell is retiring from the force and his current role as Chief of Department.

Chief of Department is the NYPD's highest rank of uniformed officer. The role is charged with overseeing the department's crime-fighting and public safety strategies, quality-of-life initiatives and operational plans.

"Our city owes him a debt of gratitude," Mayor Eric Adams reacted to Chell's retirement.

"I would like to thank Chief John Chell for his more than 30 years of service to this department and New York City," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement.

Chell posted a goodbye message on social media and said his last day was last Friday and it's time to "pass the torch."

Tisch announced Wednesday that Chief

See Full Page