Chattanooga's deputy police chief, Mike Williams, will retire July 4, city officials said this afternoon.

"I will miss my law enforcement family and my many friends in city government but feel it is time to move on to other challenges," Williams said in a news release from City Hall. "I have enjoyed my 28 1/2 years at the Chattanooga Police Department immensely and I am proud of what we have accomplished during my time here. I love this city and will continue to be one of its biggest supporters."

Williams has been deputy chief since July 2010 under Chief Bobby Dodd.

"I have known Mike and worked beside him in some capacity for over 24 years," Dodd said in the statement. "He is one of the most respected individuals I have had the privilege to work with. His contributions to the advancement of the department are unmatched and his devotion to protecting the citizens of Chattanooga has been unwavering."