Dallas / Fort Worth Local News

DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― The Dallas Police Department is losing its leader. On Wednesday evening, Chief David Kunkle confirmed that he is planning to retire. Kunkle will be stepping down from his position on April 30, 2010.

Kunkle has been with the DPD since 2004, taking over after the previous chief, Terrell Bolton, was fired. Back then, the department faced a growing crime rate, too few officers and low morale.

Kunkle held a news conference Thursday morning to further explain his decision.  He talked about his time leading the department and the reasons for his retirement.

Former Highland Park mayor Jack Hammack collapsed during the news conference.  Click here for that story.

"When I considered applying for this position, I was aware that DPD faced significant challenges," Kunkle said in a letter to his officers. "I spoke to some of my DPD colleagues. They believed that Dallas officers were the finest in the country and if given a chance to prove it, they would shine through. I have found over the past five and a half years that this advice was the truest I ever received."

Kunkle came to Dallas from Arlington, where he had served as Deputy City Manager. He had previously worked as Chief of Police for Grand Prairie and Arlington. Kunkle began his career as a DPD patrol officer in 1972 and became the youngest captain in DPD history in 1976.

The 59-year-old says he's proud to end his 38 year career in the department where he started.

"I'm not leaving tired, disillusioned for any reasons other than in my mind I believe it's the right time to go."

While with the DPD, Kunkle has overseen a department of more than 4,000 officers and civilians.

During Kunkle's five-year tenure, the violent crime rate in Dallas has decreased by 32 percent, response times have improved by 27 percent and the department has hired 700 new officers.

Kunkle also saw the department through difficult times. Four officers died under his command and there was an embarrassing incident with former DPD officer Robert Powell, who stopped a Houston Texans player and his family from racing to the bedside of a dying relative.

"The hardest responsibility of all is dealing with the line of duty deaths and injuries of our colleagues. No one can prepare for the emotional toll this takes on the families and fellow officers. I will carry this grief forever," Kunkle said, "but the consolation is that the losses were not in vain and the sacrifices will never be forgotten."

Kunkle said that he is leaving with no regrets.

CBS 11 News spoke over the phone with Kunkle about his decision. He was candid about his departure, saying that the decision was made almost a year ago, and that he wanted to leave on his own terms.

"I'm very proud of what's been accomplished in the past five years," Kunkle told CBS 11 News over the phone Wednesday. "I think I was the beneficiary of a lot of good forces that came together at the same time. I know people may disagree, but I think if you look at DPD history, this is probably the best in 40 years as far as crime rate reduction and community confidence."

Kunkle said that now was the time to "tell the troops" about his decision.

Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm asked Kunkle to stay, but he wanted to "term limit" himself, saying that he felt there was a "shelf life" for his position. And it is time to move on.

Kunkle said, "I am honored to have been your Chief and am humbled by your support."

Kunkle says he will not play a role in the nationwide search for his replacement.

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