Santa Fe's police chief is stepping down after just more than a year in office.
Police Chief Eric Garcia on Tuesday announced his retirement effective immediately after a meeting with the city manager.
Garcia said in a statement released by the city that the department has laid a foundation for improving community policing, and City Manager Brian Snyder expressed gratitude for Garcia's work to decrease crime, expand community engagement and raise morale within the department.
The statement said the city's training specialist, Patrick Gallagher, will serve as interim chief.
The city's statement said Gallagher has 27 years in law enforcement and served in several police departments, including those in New York City, Santa Fe and Truth or Consequences. He was a captain in the Santa Fe Police Department.
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