A New York City Police Department chief who dedicated nearly four decades of his life to the force is now retiring.

Colleagues and friends of Manuel de la Rosa, who worked within the Transit Bureau of the NYPD, gathered on Friday to thank him for his 38 years with the NYPD.

De la Rosa started his career in the Bronx, where he worked as a commanding officer at the 41st Precinct. He also worked within the NYPD's school safety division and housing bureau before landing in the transit bureau. His colleagues say he has been instrumental in dealing with counterterrorism and implementing neighborhood policing within the subway system.

De la Rosa left his family in Cuba when he was 13 years old. He now has eight children of his own and seven grandchildren. His family says they cannot wait to spend more time with him in his retirement.