Port Washington Police Chief Robert Del Muro is retiring after serving 45 years and five days on the force.

He was hired by the Port Washington Police District in 1981 and has been chief of the department since 2019.

"It wasn't a job," Del Muro said at the ceremony, "I really loved my career, I hate leaving, but time to go."

Del Muro said he really enjoyed his days as a detective, but he was more able to make changes as a chief.

"This department has always been ahead of every other department in new things, and we kept it going," he said.

The department recently had a groundbreaking for a new building, which Del Muro said the commissioners have been trying to accomplish since 1997.

Chief Del Muro is the longest-serving member in the history of the department, News 12 was told.

Assistant Chief Kevin McCarroll will be taking over as police chief.