Norristown Police Chief Derrick Wood Resigns

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown Police Department Chief Derrick Wood resigned from his post suddenly on Thursday, reportedly to spend more time with his family and his mother, who requires close care.

Wood has served in his post for just over a year after becoming municipal council's choice to replace longtime chief Mark Talbot.

"While we were surprised at the sudden departure of Chief Wood, we wish him well and will continue our forward progress in the police department and the municipality," municipal administrator Crandall Jones said in a statement.

Wood told 6ABC that "it’s time to choose my family over my career."

Norristown police Lieutenant Michael Bishop will take over Wood's post as acting chief as the search process to find Wood's successor gets underway.

Wood was selected last year after an extensive search and several rounds of interviews, which included public roundtables and questions from municipal council. Wood spent 24 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, ultimately rising to the rank of Inspector, the third highest position in that force.