LORAIN — Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera announced his retirement Friday morning during a news conference in Lorain.
Rivera has served as chief of police for 25 years.
The police chief said he will turn 70 years old later this year and after spending nearly five decades in law enforcement, "it's time to let it go."
The chief said that he plans to finish out the year before retiring so he can help the department transition to a new police chief.
"It's been the greatest honor and privilege to wear the blue and gray for the last 49 years and to wear the badge of a Lorain police officer and work with the best cops in the state of Ohio."
Rivera announced his retirement during a news conference with Mayor Chase Ritenenaur. The mayor is also leaving his position, stating that he is resigning to spend more time with his wife and daughter.
