It was an emotional day for a man who had to be strong as the leader of the Norwalk Police Department for the last decade. Chief Thomas Kulhawik is retiring.

"I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for your service," said the Rev. Artie Kassimis.

Kulhawik walked the department's halls for the last time, stepping away after decades of service to the department he loved.

"I just thank everybody, you know the community, pretty much everybody that I've been associated with has impacted me somehow so hopefully I did the same," said Kulhawik.

"We're going to miss him. He was just an amazing guy, an amazing friend to everyone," said a co-worker.

Kulhawik started in 1983.

"I was a 19-year-old kid. I took the test, and I did well right off the bat," said Kulhawik.

He rose through the ranks and became chief in 2012.

"I think we've left the department in good shape, and it's been a team effort," said Kulhawik.

His department honored him at a ceremony Tuesday outside the police department.

"Chief Thomas Kulhawik congratulations on your retirement after 40 years of service to the Norwalk Department of Police services. Thank you for your leadership, your professionalism and compassion. The members of the department thank you for being our chief for the past 10 years. We wish you the best of luck with your well-earned retirement," said a radio dispatcher.

"Thank you very much. For the final time, signing off," said Kulhawik.

The chief's official retirement date is coming up in two weeks. The Police Commission will decide who the next chief is going to be.

Kulhawik says he's looking forward to taking a break and then doing remote work or consulting.