Longtime Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis is putting away his badge for now as he steps away from his law enforcement duties to run for mayor.

Derzis formally announced his leave of absence during the Monday evening city council meeting.

The move follows the process Derzis had already outlined when he announced his run for the mayor’s office in March.

“I’ve been honored to serve the citizens of Hoover the last 40 plus years as a police officer and the last 20 and a half as police chief,” he said. “I was blessed to work with the men and women and really the finest group of men and women that wear the uniform.”

Hoover Assistant Police Chief Norman McDuffey was presented as acting chief through the election cycle.

“I’m leaving it in capable hands,” Derzis said as he introduced McDuffey, a 24-year veteran of the Hoover Police Department.

Derzis officially qualified as a candidate on June 24, the last day of eligibility for the Aug. 26 elections.

Already competing signs fill busy corners and street sides touting both his candidacy and that of current mayor Frank Brocado. Brocado is seeking a third term.

“I appreciate the opportunities that I’ve been given, and I’ll say goodbye tonight and I’ll see you guys in about two months,” Derzis said.