TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Thursday marked the last day on the job for Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs, who has been a member of Toledo's finest for 37 years.
Chief Diggs says his main objective was to simply and finish strong. As he prepared to walk through the doors one last time, leaving behind his badge and title as chief, he said he is prepared for new opportunities in law enforcement, and no matter where he goes, he'll continue to bleed TPD blue.
"I don't know how it works for everybody else, but the bottom line is this, you know, this is my city, that's how I feel. And I feel like this is my police department," said Diggs.
Everyone has a calling. Diggs says being a part of the Toledo Police Department for 37 years - with the last two as chief - were a part of his.
"I'm honored to have been able to serve as chief of police. Would I have liked to have stayed longer? Absolutely. But I'm honored to be able to have served for the two years that I did. There's things in life that you just can't control," said Diggs.
Although there are differences between he and the new mayor when it comes to policing, during his time, Diggs took things into his own hands.
"we've accomplished a lot in the last two years, double-digit crime reduction in each of my two years as chief. We've hired 165 officers in my short two years as chief," said Diggs.
Diggs has not only made marks on the streets, but also in the hearts of those who worked for - and beside - him. As many say they have dreaded seeing this day, the chief says it is the beginning of something new.
"The main reason I'm stepping down is so I can have the opportunity to pursue other career opportunities. If those opportunities present themselves, then we'll take a strong look at them. If they don't, then we'll see what other things are out there for Derrick Diggs to do," he said.
