SUFFOLK (AP) --Suffolk police chief William Freeman is planning to retire at the end of the year.

The 37-year veteran of the police force announced the plans on Monday night.

Freeman joined the Nansemond County Police Department in 1971 and joined the Suffolk police when the two forces merged in 1974.

While part of the Suffolk police force, he was the first African-American to achieve the ranks of lieutenant, captain, major and chief.

City officials said the search for Freeman's replacement would begin immediately.