Retiring senior PSNI officer Stephen Martin has paid tribute to the bravery and compassion of his colleagues.
The acting deputy chief constable steps aside at the end of the month after nearly 34 years with the RUC and PSNI.
He said his long service had been a huge honour.
Mr Martin said: "I believe passionately in the contribution that policing makes to our community; and it will be the many stories of bravery and compassion by my colleagues in the delivery of their duty which I will remember in the years to come."
He was appointed temporary deputy chief constable in 2018 after Drew Harris left the force to become Garda commissioner.
He attempted to become PSNI chief constable last year but lost out to Simon Byrne.
Mr Martin said he would always be grateful for the friendships built within the PSNI and community.
He travelled to Derry in the hours after journalist Lyra McKee was killed by a stray bullet from a dissident republican last April to pay tribute and urge the community to give information.
Mr Martin said: "As I face the next chapter in my life, I am very mindful of the many colleagues and friends who we've lost and for whom retirement has been denied. They and their families will always be in my thoughts.
"I am extremely proud to have been part of the journey that policing has made to date; and I know, with the commitment of colleagues and the partnership of the community, we will continue to make Northern Ireland a safer and more confident society."
He added: "I leave with a real sense of optimism for the future and wish all my colleagues well as they continue their vital service to our entire community."
Many thanks Stephen for your enormous and positive contribution to Policing in Northern Ireland over the last 34 years, and for your personal support to me over the last 6 months. I wish you and your family my sincere best wishes for a long retirement and for the future. https://t.co/AIww35hpMP
— Simon Byrne (@ChiefConPSNI) January 20, 2020