Fort Worth's top cop is retiring: Police Chief Ed Kraus has announced his intention to retire from the Fort Worth Police Department at the end of 2020.

Kraus, who served the city of Fort Worth for 28 years, has agreed to remain as chief until the city has hired a permanent replacement.

He announced his decision in an email to employees, explaining that his wife also decided to retire from her career in education. "We are ready to explore the next chapter in our lives," Kraus said in his email.

Kraus was originally appointed interim chief in May 2019, replacing former chief Joel Fitzgerald, who was fired following a public encounter he had at a National Police Week awards dinner in Washington, D.C.

Kraus began his career in law enforcement in 1992. He has served as an officer, detective, and sergeant neighborhood policing district lieutenant, Patrol Division captain, and commander of the Training Division.

He has served in executive roles as deputy chief over the Investigative and Support Command, assistant chief over the Support Bureau, and executive assistant chief over the Patrol Bureau.

He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Texas Tech University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and the Caruth Police Institute’s Leadership Course.

In his email he expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support he received from the city, police department, and community. "I feel so blessed to have served our community with you over the past 28 years. I will forever have fond memories of this department, our accomplishments, and especially the relationships shared."