Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced his retirement for the end of January on Wednesday afternoon.

Ramsey has been police commissioner since the beginning of Mayor Nutter’s term in January 2008, and his resignation will coincide with the ending of Nutter’s term.

“I want to thank all the citizens of Philadelphia, all the community organizations that are out there every day, and all the officers in the Philadelphia Police Department,” Ramsey said. “I just want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve in this great city.”

Ramsey explained that he came out of retirement to work with Nutter, and is happy to leave with him as well.

The Commissioner’s exit prompted reactions from several officials, even including the President of the United States.

“I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Charles ‘Chuck’ Ramsey for his nearly five decades of leadership and service with some of this nation’s largest law enforcement agencies,” President Obama stated. “From Chicago to DC to Philadelphia, Commissioner Ramsey has always supported our women and men in uniform and the communities they bravely serve and protect each and every day.”

“While I’ve known about his outstanding work over the years, it was when I appointed Chuck as a co-chair of my Task Force on 21st Century Policing that I was able to rely on his counsel and leadership,” the President continued. “For several months earlier this year, he played a vital role in bringing together leaders from across the country to create a clear and concise report including key recommendations for building stronger trust between communities and the law enforcement agencies that protect them.  I am extraordinarily grateful for Chuck’s service and wish him an enjoyable and restful retirement.”