The chief of the Washington, D.C. police department is retiring, and will take over as head of security for the National Football League.

Cathy Lanier, who was appointed chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia in January 2007, announced on Twitter Tuesday that her retirement will take effect in September.

Lanier had a 26-year career on the force, starting out as a foot patrolman in 1990. She was the first woman to lead the D.C. police department.