Richmond will need a new police chief in town soon.

Current Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe was offered and accepted the chief position with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C., police department this afternoon.

Monroe, 51, who has worked in Richmond for almost three years, told local media that it was "the toughest decision he ever made."

He was one of two finalists for the job in a city that has seen rising rape, robbery and homicide rates in the past few years.

Richmond leaders have praised Monroe for his work here in reducing the homicide rate, community policing and leading the city to the lowest crime rate in 26 years. City Council publicly commended Monroe, passing a resolution Monday night urging Monroe to remain in Richmond.

Though both council and Mayor L. Douglas Wilder commended Monroe, Wilder publicly blamed council for Monroe's leaving, stating in press releases that council had repeatedly cut police funds. Council members said that wasn't true, pointing out that they had increased the police budget by more than $20 million since 2005.

In a news release, Wilder stated that Monroe had informed him of the decision late this afternoon and that he would comment more on Friday.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Monroe will start work there no later than June 16. He will be the first black chief in Charlotte history.

In a news release sent out by Charlotte officials, Monroe stated, "The chance to be the next chief of police of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of a lifetime. I have admired all that Charlotte has accomplished and respected CMPD from afar, and now I have the opportunity to take a great organization to the next level, creating an even safer community for citizens."