CHICOPEE, Mass. - After 32 years in law enforcement, Deputy Chief Lonny Dakin retired from the Chicopee Police Department on Friday. 

"The only way I can describe it, is it is time, but it was a hard decision," Dakin said.  

Dakin was serving as the interim chief, a position which will now be held by Captain Jeff Gawron. 

"We are going to continue with the highest standards within the police department and continue training and our focus is what I swore to 32 years ago, to protect the citizens of Chicopee and serve the citizens of Chicopee and continue with our high standard," Gawron said.

Gawron has also spent more than 32 years in law enforcement, 10 of which have been as a captain. The Chicopee native said serving the residents of the community where he grew up is something he cherishes and there is no obstacle the department can't overcome.

"I see there's no challenge," said Gawron. "There is a great supporting staff among the other captains, lieutenants, sergeants and patrol division and the detective bureau. Everyone has the same goal and it's to protect and serve, and service to the community is A number one."

As Dakin prepared to take off his badge for the last time, he said he knows the Chicopee Police Department will keep moving in the right direction.

"Theres a law enforcement saying, you are supposed to catch the criminals, but we also have a community outreach. We do a lot of other stuff. I am really proud of where Chicopee police department is now and going forward," Dakin said. "It's going to keep going forward and we will get through this tough time with recruiting and other issues, but they are in good hands."

Gawron will begin serving as the acting chief starting on Monday.

Chicopee's police chief William Jebb announced his retirement earlier this year, but has been out on medical leave.