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Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirement

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón has announced he will retire later this summer, concluding 30 years of service with the department.

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Rolón said he intends to retire Nov. 1, and his last day of work will be Aug. 19.

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The chief moved to Central Florida from Puerto Rico with his family in 1977. He joined the Orlando Police Department in November 1992.

Rolón became chief in October 2018 and the first Hispanic person to serve in the role in 143 years.

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“Thank you, the members of the Orlando Police Department, city council, and the entire community for allowing me to serve in this role for 4 years,” Rolón wrote in his resignation letter. “It has been an amazing and rewarding journey during my career with the Orlando Police Department. Thank you for this honor.”

In his letter, Rolón said under his leadership the police department reestablished the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, formed the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program, developed a youth outreach program and created the first Real Time Crime Center, which other agencies now use as an example.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.