He will leave office effective Aug. 5.

Fox took over as chief in 1998, following a period of turmoil in the department, including lawsuits and the firing of former chief John Durrant.

“Thank you for the great trust you placed in me in 1998,” Fox told council members. “The task that lay ahead was tremendous, decisions difficult, rewards great and results stunning.”

Mayor Ted Barratt lauded Fox.

“Fortunately for Chief Fox, he has raised a wonderful family,” he said. “He is reaching that point where he can enjoy the fruits of his labors. I have had many opportunities to work with him and have enjoyed the association with him. It is very difficult to see this take place.”

“He has a great desire to do good for goodness’s sake,” Barratt added.

Fox said he started his police work in Ogden when he was 16 years old.

“I have been riding in police cars for the last 31 years, with 26 of those years being a full-time guardian of others’ rights and a peacekeeper,” he said. “I have enough memories to last me several lifetimes.

“I have come to a point of my life where I wish to develop other skills. I have taken this department as far as my ability will allow.”

Fox reminisced about several high points in his career.

“Attending the FBI academy in 1990 allowed me to gain many of the skills that were extensively used for the following 15 years,” he said.

“My proudest accomplishment is being able to say, ‘I have never done anything towards any person out of anger or vindictiveness, even with their episodes of extreme violence towards me. I have tried to make the right decisions for the right reasons.’ “

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C4.