Outgoing Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward was honored Thursday for his work in the community.
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Ward, who has been with the agency for 29 years, has served as police chief for the past two years. He's retiring at the end of July.
"Twenty nine years ago, I came here just to be a police officer and I was blessed and given the opportunity to be chief," Ward said.
Never a fan of the media spotlight, Ward, 50, has quietly worked for years within the rank and file of his police department.
The city council honored him for his dedication and service.
Ward said he sees his biggest achievement as getting officers out of their cars and into the community.
"Getting back involved in the community, getting officers out of the cars into the community," Ward said. "Getting to know the citizens was important to me."
"It was a tough decision to leave after 29 years," he said.
Ward was sworn in as chief in May 2015, replacing longtime Chief Jane Castor.
A 1984 graduate of Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Ward started at the bottom rung in the department when he was 21 years old and worked up to the top spot.
Ward said he had three goals when he became chief: Drop the number of violent crimes, focus on youth in the community and improve police officer training.
City council member Charlie Miranda said Ward has accomplished all that and more.
"He's a person that talks to people, understands people," Miranda said. "(He) gets all the information before he makes a decision of what to do, and that's what makes a good chief."
So what's next for Ward? He'll be heading to the private sector to take a postion as head of security for Coca-Cola Beverages in Florida. He will be based in Tampa.
The city will begin a nationwide search to replace Ward in early August. Assistant Chief Brian Dugan will serve as interim chief while the national search takes place.
Ward said he has not been asked to be involved in the selection of the new chief, but he does have advice for whoever that person may be.
"Work hard, it's a full time commitment," Ward said. "You have to be invested in the community in order to achieve your goal and that's ultimately bringing the city up as a whole."