THE IRISHMAN at the head of Greater Manchester Police has announced his retirement as chief constable of the force.
Sir Peter Fahy, whose parents hail from Galway and Dublin, will step down after almost 13 years in the role, in which he has led murder investigations and major enquiries.
The 56-year-old confirmed his departure on Thursday, and described his time serving the people of Greater Manchester as a “privilege".
He said: “The best part of my job has been to work with so many committed members of staff, members of partner organisations and so many active community members and charities.
“I would like to thank them for all the support they have given me and for the personal support I have received from Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.”
Sir Peter will now take on the post of Chief Executive of the children's charity Retrak.
“Over the past five years I have worked with the charity on a voluntary basis with teams of GMP staff and colleagues from the Fire Service travelling to Uganda and Ethiopia to work with street children there,” he said.
“I am very excited by this new challenge.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, who is also second-generation Irish, thanked Sir Peter for his dedication to the force over the years.
"Greater Manchester has been fortunate to have a leader of such distinction to guide the force through the enormous challenges faced in policing and across the public sector," he said.
“Through his tireless commitment to public service, Sir Peter has become a highly respected figure both locally and nationally."
Sir Peter grew up in East London and joined the police force in 1981.
Prior to his role with the Greater Manchester Police he worked in Surrey, Hertfordshire and the West Midlands, and served for five years as Chief Constable of Cheshire.
He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in January 2004 and a knighthood in June 2012.
