Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón has announced his intention to retire on Nov. 1 after 30 years with the department. 

Rolón was named police chief by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Oct. 30, 2018, making him the first Hispanic chief in the department's history.

"I have had the privilege to serve with the most remarkable men and women in law enforcement dedicated to selfless service without thought of recognition or gain," he said in a letter to Dyer announcing his retirement. 

He noted that some of the issues police chiefs have faced in the past three years have been "unprecedented." Referring to the nation's reaction to the death of George Floyd, Rolón said "the social unrest sparked by the actions of a few members of our profession raised concerns across the nation."

"The demonstrations in our city were much more than what we had experienced before, and when other parts of the country experienced unrest during the demonstrations, we managed to maintain order and peace without any significant incidents," he wrote. "Addressing the concerns of our citizens and ensuring our officers felt supported was critical, and I am proud of the way I led our department during this challenging time."

Rolón said that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it even more challenges for law enforcement, "but our commitment to serving and protecting our community did not waver and we overcame those challenges as well."

During his nearly four years as chief, Rolón noted that the department reestablished the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, formed the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program, developed a youth outreach program and created OPD's first Real Time Crime Center.

"I did not allow for social unrest or the pandemic to stop us from implementing changes and strategies to make us more efficient, professional and transparent in the delivery of our services," he wrote.

Nov. 8, will mark Rolón's 30th year with the Orlando Police Department, but he said his official retirement date would be Nov. 1 and his last day of work would be Aug. 19.

"Thank you, the members of the Orlando Police Department, city council, and the entire community for allowing me to serve in this role for four years," he wrote, as he closed out his letter. "It has been an amazing and rewarding journey during my career with the Orlando Police Department. Thank you for this honor."