Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart was honored Friday on her last day with the department.
Colleagues gave her a round of applause as she left police headquarters in Yaphank after three years in the role.
She now moves on to run the Department of Public Safety at Hofstra University, a move that she says will hopefully allow her more time with family.
County Executive Steve Bellone says they are now launching a "nationwide search" for her replacement.
Chief of Department Stuart Cameron will serve as acting commissioner in the meantime.