Tampa Chief Brian Dugan will retire in September. (Photo: WFLA Screen Shot)
Tampa police Chief Brian Dugan announced this week that he will be retiring effective Sept. 10.
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to help lead this department, to serve and protect this great community,” Dugan said.
The soon-to-be retired chief said he was proud of his work with the department, which included the implementation of body cameras, the arrest of a serial killer, and building of community relations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said nothing prompted his retirement, just that it was time to go, WFLA reports.
Mayor Jane Castor said Dugan was an effective leader, calling him “the best police chief” among many in the United States. Castor praised him for his role of having to deal with the danger of a serial killer, the loss of an officer, a hurricane, and civil unrest during his leadership.
The department has named Officer Ruben “Butch” Delgado as the interim chief for the moment. Delgado has worked as a TPD officer for 23 years. He currently oversees investigations and support.
