Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling announced Wednesday that he has made the “difficult decision” to retire after three decades on the force, including the last three as the city’s police chief. His last day is July 15.
Snelling’s Legacy
In a statement, Snelling recounted serving in multiple positions since starting as a police officer at 22 years old before rising through the ranks and being tapped for the job by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2023. He oversaw the city’s security for the 2024 Democratic National Convention as well as a “record” reduction in shootings, homicides and violent crime. The 416 homicides last year were the lowest since 1965.
“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to give back to the city I love through different assignments across the department,” the statement said. “I must also thank Mayor Brandon Johnson for choosing me to serve the residents of Chicago and to lead the heroic men and women of the Chicago Police Department.
“Though I am proud of what we have achieved, there is more to be done, and I am confident that we created a foundation for further progress,” he said.
Johnson’s Response
In a statement Wednesday, Johnson praised Snelling’s leadership at the Police Department, where he oversaw a historic decline in homicides in 2025 after violent crime spiked post-pandemic.
“We’re grateful for Superintendent Snelling’s dedicated leadership and the work we’ve accomplished together to advance a community safety strategy rooted in strong partnerships and deep community engagement across Chicago,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the Police Department will be led on an interim basis by Fred Waller, a longtime CPD veteran who previously acted as the city’s top cop when Johnson took office in 2023.
A full search process for the next full-time superintendent will be conducted by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, the city’s elected police oversight body.
Snelling thanked both his officers as well as residents of the city, and noted the victims of violence on both the force and among residents.
“As I reflect on the past three years, I also reflect on the most difficult moments we have had as a department and city,” he said. “Families in this city lost loved ones to violence, and too many officers were killed in the line of duty because of the same violence they worked to protect everyone from. No matter what, I will always work to ensure the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and the strength and resilience of our Gold Star Families are never forgotten.”
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
