2014.01.08 - The Resignation of Jim Gordon

From: James Gordon, Commissioner, Gotham City Police Department

To: City Manager, Members of City Council, Mayor

Cc: Clerk of Council, City Solicitor

Honorable members of council et al,

It is with a heavy heart that I write today to announce my resignation as Commissioner of Gotham City's Police Department.

Through the many years that we have served together, some of you in varying capacities, we have accomplished many great things. We have also faced a number of challenges unlike those seen by any other municipality in the United States. Some of you have disagreed with my methods. A number of you have outright called for my resignation on more than a few occasions. While I have always welcomed criticism and value the wisdom brought by open communication and collaboration, it is not over any disagreement with the governing body that has drawn me to make this decision.

The simple matter of fact is, this position has become too great a burden on me. The most recent abduction (of which I have lost count in my history serving as your Commissioner) is, in no easier terms, one time too many. I am not willing to put my family, namely my daughter, through any more of this constant fear.

I have accepted a position as Chief of Police, Columbus Ohio. I will be resigning my commission with GCPD as of February 6th, 2014.

Respectfully,

James Gordon, Commissioner, GCPD.

The cigarette is ashed. A long pause lingers, before spectacled eyes turn from the letter to the cigarette, its cherry burning dangerously low. For a few long moments, the Commissioner of Gotham simply doesn't breathe, locked in a battle that has become very personal to him. Regret, pride, honor, love and fear. They all seem to burn symbolically in the red fire of addiction.

The cigarette is snuffed out in an old ash tray of painted blue, one that bears an old rendering of the GCPD insignia. Then, he crumples up the paper and tosses it into a nearby wastebasket, before calling Columbus to decline their offer.