The Rochester Police Department’s “entire command staff” announced their retirement on Tuesday, the mayor there said, amid raging protests over the death of Daniel Prude.
Chief La’Ron Singletary, a 20-year veteran of the force, and Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito, who served the department for 34 years, released statements before a scheduled briefing with Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and the City Council.
Warren told council members that “the entire Rochester Police Department’s command staff has announced their retirement.
“There may be a number of others who will decide to leave as well and retire,” Warren warned.
“As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character,” the statement said. “The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.”
He added: “The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for.”
“I have often reflected on my time growing up in this City, and the many friends and neighbors who helped guide me and encouraged my decision to become an officer,” Morabito said. “I have never regretted that decision, and the people who I have had the privilege of assisting throughout my service.”