NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is resigning after nearly a year and a half in the role, Mayor Eric Adams confirmed Monday. 

In a department memo, Sewell said she had “made the decision to step down from my position,” without providing a reason for her departure. 

“Since I joined you almost a year and a half ago we have faced tremendous tragedy, challenges and triumphs together,” she wrote.

“While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from my advocacy and support for the NYPD, and I will always be a champion for the people of New York City,” she added.

Adams released a statement Monday evening saying Sewell's "efforts played a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer.”

“I want to thank Police Commissioner Sewell for her devotion over the last 18 months and her steadfast leadership,” the mayor said. “When we came into office, crime was trending upwards, and thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, most of the major crime categories are now down.” 

“The commissioner worked nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a year and a half, and we are all grateful for her service,” he added. “New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude.” 

Sewell became New York City’s first woman police commissioner when Adams appointed her to the position in December 2021. 

In his own statement, Police Benevolent Association president Pat Lynch said Sewell "took over a police department in crisis and faced tremendous challenges from day one."

"In her short time with the NYPD, Commissioner Sewell made a real impact. She cared about the cops on the street and was always open to working with us to improve their lives and working conditions," Lynch said. "There are still enormous challenges facing the NYPD. Her leadership will be sorely missed."

Detectives’ Endowment Association president Paul DiGiacomo said his union “salutes Commissioner Sewell for leading the NYPD through some of the most tragic and difficult times in the department’s history.” 

“Her love of Detectives was genuine and sincere — and her support of the union never wavered,” DiGiacomo said. “Commissioner Sewell’s historic appointment will not soon be forgotten.”