Miami-Dade Police Director Robert Parker put in his retirement papers on Friday after more than five years at the helm of Florida's largest police department, saying personal financial considerations factored into his decision.

Parker's retirement is effective Sunday.

A decision on his successor rests with County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, who on Friday named Assistant Director James Loftus, a 26-year department veteran, as interim director. Alvarez said he will make a decision on a permanent replacement within six months.

In the memo announcing his retirement, Parker, 56, apologized for the short notice.

He said that he would have lost a considerable amount of money in leave time and other benefits if he had stayed on past Sunday. Parker's annual salary is $226,000.

On Friday, Alvarez announced a 5 percent pay cut for most non-union employees, which goes into effect Monday.

``I made a decision to retire and avoid that situation, as well as it's time to retire,'' he told The Herald on Friday afternoon.

Parker told the Herald he had no immediate plans but to ``go on to the next phase of life'' and was proud of his service to the community.

``What I've really enjoyed most is the interaction and the ability to direct our force toward the kinds of things that serve the public,'' he said. ``Working to reduce crime. The successful culmination of major events that go smoothly. The implementation of new technology.''

RUMORS

Rumors of his retirement had been circulating for weeks around County Hall and at police headquarters in Doral, but as late as last week Parker had declined to discuss his future.

A 33-year department veteran, Parker joined the department after serving in the U.S. Army. He started as a road patrol officer. Four years later he moved to robbery as a detective.

He worked his way up the ranks, to assistant director in 2002. Two years later, he became the first black to run the department of about 4,600 officers and civilians.

His tenure was relatively free of any major controversies, but two incidents in 2007 brought public scrutiny.

A county review found the police department's hiring of Parker's son at the Police Training Bureau violated a state anti-nepotism law. But it was never found or alleged Parker himself had ``any direct role'' in the employment of his son, who had given up the part-time position.

In the other matter, former Assistant Director Robert Holden and former Division Chief Robert Muñecas filed a whistle blower law suit against the county. The two alleged that they were forced to resign for investigating a politically connected lieutenant. The case was later settled out of court.

On Friday, top Miami-Dade officials praised Parker's career as a police officer and police director.

PRAISE FROM MAYOR

``Director Parker has not only managed the day-to-day operations of one of the largest police agencies in the country with honor and distinction, but during his tenure has represented us at the national, state and local levels in several leadership positions,'' Alvarez wrote in his letter.

``I think he's done a phenomenal job,'' Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Dennis Moss said. ``His mark is he's a true professional. He's been able to lead his troops and deal with whatever issues have come up in the community. That's what you look for in someone whose leading your police department.''

Said County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez: ``He was respected by the rank and file. He had the respect of the commissioners.''

Gimenez said the next director, like leaders in other county departments, will have to contend with tough budgets.

``Whoever becomes the new police chief will know he's dealing with a difficult budget this year . . . and hopefully that new police chief will be up to that challenge.''

John Rivera, the police union president, gave Parker mixed reviews, saying he gave his command staff too much control and is leaving at a time when department morale is at its lowest point in decades.

``I don't see that they [rank-and-file] see their leader standing up for them,'' Rivera said.

Parker said he felt Rivera was wrong about morale.

SOLID LEADER

Others said Parker was a solid leader.

``He's a consummate professional with unquestionable integrity,'' said Richard Masten, the executive director of Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers. The program, which offers rewards for tips leading to arrests in crimes, works closely with the Miami-Dade police department.

``He has inspired his workforce and moved the department steadily forward,'' said Masten.

Masten points to the county's Gun Bounty program, which offers $1,000 to anyone who gives law enforcement authorities information leading to the arrest of a person with an illegal gun. It started more than two years ago under Parker's leadership.

Miami Gardens Police Chief Matthew Boyd, a former Miami-Dade police major, called Parker an ``ally'' to his department.

``Everytime I've asked him for assistance, he's been there, any type of guidance,'' Boyd said.

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