Sunnyvale Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo will hang up his belt this April, ending his 36-year career in law enforcement in Santa Clara County and prompting the city to search for a new head public safety officer.

at the department, Ngo, 58, led the city through its and several high-profile police cases. He also oversaw several new programs related to recruiting officers and modernizing the department’s headquarters, while bolstering community engagement in the city by creating the Youth Leadership Academy and Public Safety Citizens Academy.

An interim chief will be appointed while officials search for Ngo’s replacement, according to the city.

“It’s been an honor to be the chief here,” Ngo said. “Since day one I have been fully embraced by the community, supported by the officers and supported by the council. Its been everything that I could want in a position to lead a public safety department.”

Ngo was selected for the role in 2017 after Sunnyvale conducted a national search to replace outgoing Chief Frank Grgurina. Previously, Ngo served 27 years at the San Jose Police Department in a variety of roles.

He is also a member of several boards including the Santa Clara County and California Police Chiefs Association, and has been recognized by San Jose and Santa Clara County for being a champion for the