WATCH: Changing of the guard; APD to see a new Chief of Police in Justin Doll

On Friday, the Anchorage Police Department plans to hold press availability when its current chief, Chris Tolley, hands over the mantle to the soon-to-be chief, Justin Doll.

Chief Tolley

, speaking to the media in order to better address why he was leaving and what would come next for the largest law enforcement agency in the state.

“I’m departing knowing we’ve solved a lot of issues, upgraded the morale and accountability of this department and set our Anchorage Police Department for sustained excellence and success,” said Tolley.

Tolley, who had been Chief of Police with APD for roughly two years, told reporters that he plans to retire and spend more time with his wife. He indicated he would be staying in Anchorage for some time.

The president of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association, Brian Wilson, called Tolley’s departure from the force “bitter sweet.”

“Things were good but you don't want to hold people back from what people want to do with their lives,” Wilson said.

Tolley saw several high-profile cases during his time as APD’s chief of police, including

www.ktuu.com/content/news/Serial-killer-Police-say-James-Dale-Ritchie-committed-5-murders-in-2016-420514763.html”>a string of murders in 2016 which were later determined to have been carried out by a serial killer.

As for the incoming chief, he was not considered an outside hire and instead was well known within the department prior to his promotion.

Doll, who until tomorrow is a Captain with APD, was described as a “highly skilled law enforcement commander” in his bio released by APD detailing his experience and work history.

APDEA President Wilson said that through Tolley, APD has seen growth and increased morale, and hopes that, though Doll, “we continue that trajectory.”

According to the bio, Doll attended the University of Alaska Anchorage for his undergrad, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He then went on to get his masters in administration at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Doll has worked at APD for over 20 years, according to his bio, and also was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for roughly six years.

This story will be updated on Friday after the 11:30 a.m. Change of Command Ceremony.