CINCINNATI - It was his last goodbye. After 33 years, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac walked out of the police department for the last time as chief Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • Dozens of officers stood at a full salute as Chief Eliot Isaac said his last goodbyes

  • A police motorcade took him back home where he'll start his vacation followed by his official retirement on March 1

  • Officers gave their final congratulations over the police scanners

“Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, guidance, and friendship to so many, and one of the best partners ever, I’m securing car number one Chief Eliot K. Isaac for the final time,“ said an officer over the scanners. The 56-year-old is retiring after spending the last six years as police chief, but his career started long before that. 

It was in 1988 when he started on the force. 

He worked his way up the ranks, from neighborhood officer to violent crimes investigator to chief’s office.

He is the city’s first African American police chief hired from inside the ranks. His fellow officers sent him off with a special and emotional goodbye salute.

“It’s surreal, it’s like somebody you see on a regular basis and then you see him kinda riding off into the sunset…but he’s still got so much more to offer, he’s a very young person, he’s got a great outlook on life and his future,” said Cincinnati Police Captain Steve Saunders.

Isaac says he’s planning to take some time off first. His retirement officially kicks in on March 1. 

His daughter, who is currently on the Cincinnati police force, will help carry on his legacy.

Meanwhile, Teresa Theetge is taking over as the interim chief. She's the first woman to lead the department.

Related Stories