D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey said he was ending his nearly nine years with the department proud about restoring pride to the force but still haunted by the unsolved shooting of a 9-year-old.

Wearing a blue business shirt and yellow tie instead of his customary medal-laden uniform, Ramsey, 56, said he could not describe his feelings about leaving without getting emotional during a news conference Thursday. He admitted it will be difficult to wake up knowing that he is no longer heading the police department created by President Lincoln.