’I wish she was staying’: Mayor Durkan speaks after Chief Best announces retirement

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan made it clear in a Tuesday press conference that she wishes Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best was staying on the job.

>> ‘When it’s time, it’s time’: Chief Carmen Best announces retirement from SPD

"I freely admit, I wish she was staying," Durkan said.

Durkan got emotional when she took the podium, with her voice cracking as she said that "it's been a hard year and today's a hard day" in describing the announcement.

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She described Best as having "courage, grit, compassion and a mega-watt smile."

>> Seattle City Councilmembers issue statements on Chief Best retirement

“Chief Best is the model of a chief that we need. Nobody cares about this community more than Carmen Best,” Durkan continued. “Make no mistake - Best was the right chief to reimagine policing in Seattle.”

Watch a replay of some of Durkan’s comments below:

RAW: Carmen Best announces retirement from SPD (part 2)

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