Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger speaks with FOX 5 ahead of his retirement

ROCKVILLE, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - After serving Montgomery County for decades, police chief Tom Manger is retiring.

Manger will cap off his 42-year career as a police officer next month and said he expects the change to really sink in after the week's celebrations are over. He said even after his retirement he will continue to work on police issues in and around the D.C. area.

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Manger says much has changed since he began in 1976 as a 'summer cop' in Ocean City, Maryland but expects good things from Montgomery County as they face challenges moving forward. He says making sure the diversity of the police force reflects the diversity of the community is essential.

"The biggest challenge for the next chief is to be there for his or her police officers. be there for the community," Manger said.

Tom Manger's last day on the job will be on April 15.