WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --
West Palm Beach's police chief said Thursday she's retiring now instead of at the end of the year.
Chief Delsa Bush made a telephone call to city administrators announcing her decision in front of WPBF 25 News' Ted White.
"I'm calling you to let you know that I will be bringing my car back there tonight, and I will be out by morning," Bush said. "Just allow me to come and get my personal property, and I'll be done."
Bush said she's had enough of the often public feuding about a new police radio system that the city spent $5 million on but has yet to become operation.
"I have been called a lot of things in my life, but it touches me after a 28-year career to be called a liar and untrustworthy," Bush said. "Those are my fundamental principles that I've always relied upon."
Initially, Bush submitted a letter Tuesday notifying Mayor Jeri Muoio that she would retire effective Jan. 1.
The chief and Muoio have had a contentious relationship since Muoio became mayor earlier this year. During her election campaign, Muoio said she would fire Bush if she were elected. Muoio later said she would reconsider.
Bush is a 28-year veteran of the West Palm Beach Police Department. She was the first black female officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief in the city's history. She also became the first black female chief of police when she was appointed by former Mayor Lois Frankel in 2004.
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