Law enforcement celebrates retiring Raleigh PD Chief Estella Patterson

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friday is the last full day on the job for Raleigh's top cop.

After 28 years in law enforcement, Chief Estella Patterson is set to retire Saturday.

The law enforcement community are celebrating Chief Estella Patterson Friday.

A farewell luncheon was held at Providence Church on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Inside were majors, captains and other members of Patterson's executive team, as well as local and state dignitaries.

Who will take her place?

City Manager Marchell Adams-David announced Friday that Deputy Chief Rico Boyce will be the new chief of the Raleigh Police Department. He was the sole internal finalist and a 25-year veteran of the department.

During a previous sit down with Eyewitness News, Patterson shared she wanted the next chief to bring the same level of support and energy to the department.

"I brought an energy encouraging them to say, 'Yeah, we are the police, we have a fundamental duty to make sure that our community is safe. We have to do everything to ensure that,'" she said. "I put in a lot because I expect a lot in return...I think that energy has been fruitful for the organization."