Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill has announced he's stepping down when his term ends on Dec. 9 after more than three decades on the force.
McCaskill made the announcement Friday morning.
"It's been a terrific job," he said.
McCaskill said the decision was made between himself and his wife, with no outside influence.
"It really has nothing to do with city hall or anything else," he said.
McCaskill said he has had a good relationship with city officials and expects that to continue through his remaining months on the job.
"If I thought I could have convinced him to stay – keep in mind the terms are five years – I would have tried," said Mayor Sam Katz.
McCaskill said he wants to take some time off to relax. After that, he's not sure what he will do next. He said he gave his notice to the mayor Wednesday.
McCaskill first joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 1976 and was appointed police chief in December 2007.
As chief, he served as provincial coordinator of aboriginal and municipal law enforcement in the province's criminal justice division.
During his time as chief, the city received its first police helicopter, the cadet program emerged and he aimed to improve relations between police and the public.
Mike Sutherland, president of the police's union, said the chief stressed having officers "grounded in the community."
McCaskill is leaving the year after Winnipeg set a record for murders in 2011. And the mayor acknowledged police overtime costs had become an issue at city hall.
"I think overtime is something we need to come to grips with," said Katz.
Now approaching retirement, McCaskill and his wife said they are looking forward to celebrating their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary and are aiming to go camping.
Departing from the job means leaving behind the stress that comes with the badge and the need to be on call for emergencies.
"Just so you know when I retire I'm throwing away my cellphone – I won't have one," said McCaskill.
The chief said he made the announcement about stepping down months in advance to give the city enough time to replace him.
The mayor and the head of the city's protection committee said they would like to see someone in place by December when McCaskill retires.
A committee headed by the city's CAO will begin to work towards that goal.
The mayor said he's open to someone from either within or outside the Winnipeg Police Service to get the nod.
McCaskill said he hopes someone from within the service gets the position.
- with a report from CTV's Jeff Keele
