UPDATE 5:15PM: Mayor Warren shed very little light on the ongoing situation with the Rochester Police Department.
In a news conference that lasted barely over a minute, Warren says the department will still be able to do its duty protecting the city.
She says Chief Singletary will serve until the end of the month.
UPDATE 4:40PM: Commander Fabian Rivera has also announced his retirement from the department.
Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor have returned to previously held rank of lieutenant.
BREAKING: Chief LaRon Singletary has announced his retirement from the force.
He issued a statement which reads:
"Today, after 20 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Police Department and the Rochester Community, I announce my retirement from the Rochester Police Department. For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride, and the highest integrity. As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude’s death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for. I would like to thank the men and women of the Rochester Police Department, as well as the Rochester Community for allowing me the honor of serving as your Chief and fulfilling a lifelong dream. I look forward to continuing to serve our community in my next chapter."
Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito also announced his retirement.
He issued a statement which reads:
"Today, after almost 34 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Police Department and the Rochester Community, I announce my retirement from the Rochester Police Department. It has been my extreme honor to serve with and lead the most dedicated law enforcement professionals in the country. It has also been my honor to serve this community through these many years; a community I was born and raised in, and deeply love. 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. I have never regretted that decision, and the people who I have had the privilege of assisting throughout my service, and will always consider my membership with the Rochester Police Department as one of the proudest achievements of my lifetime."