VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach Police Department Deputy Chief Tony Zucaro announced his retirement on Wednesday.
The department posted Zucaro's retirement letter on its Facebook page.
His last day is July 1.
Zucaro has served for VBPD since 1979.
In his letter, Zucaro said it has been "a pleasure serving the community for over 4 decades and I was honored to help achieve many of our collective goals along the way."
Here's his full statement:
Since April 1979, it has been my distinct privilege to serve the City of Virginia Beach as a police officer. With a great deal of gratitude and appreciation, I offer my intent to retire from the department effective July 1, 2020. Throughout this time, I have been fortunate to have served with remarkable men and women who daily demonstrate the core values of this great organization, the citizens of our community and a host of partners too numerous to name. Through dedication to duty and selfless service of many, our city is recognized as a Community for a Lifetime where people can live, work and play in a safe environment. I have been so very fortunate to have had opportunities to serve the City in a variety of roles concluding as one of the department's Deputy Chiefs.
I have truly enjoyed my journey as a member of the Virginia Beach Police Department and am excited to start a new path in my retirement. Thank you for the numerous opportunities for professional and personal development that have been provided me. It has been a pleasure serving the community for over 4 decades and I was honored to help achieve many of our collective goals along the way.
When I reflect on the last 40 plus years with the department, many moments come to mind. I recall many occasions forever etched in my mind's eye involving tragedy or a special time and many other instances I can always fondly reminisce upon. I will always treasure these memories. Finally, I would like to thank the citizens of Virginia Beach for their steadfast support for our collective public safety efforts. It has been an honor and privilege to serve.
With P.R.I.D.E.,
Tony Zucaro
Deputy Chief