Bethlehem Chief of Police Mark DiLuzio is retiring.

A release from Mayor Bob Donchez’ office Friday explained this is direct result of DiLuzio’s re-posting an offensive Facebook post allegedly disparaging NBA players, who have recently begun a strike in support of Black Lives Matter and similar movements.

Donchez said, “The United States is in the midst of a national discourse on important issues of systemic racism, police conduct and social injustice. The city has been actively engaged with citizens and groups to deal with these numerous and complex issues. Chief DiLuzio has been an important representative of the city in this effort.

“The credibility and effectiveness of leadership in government is always paramount. These are times when those qualities are critical to managing the numerous challenges we are facing.

“Chief DiLuzio has accepted that his standing in the community has been compromised. This has happened at a time when the citizens of Bethlehem justly expect the effectiveness of their chief of police to be beyond reproach,” Donchez said.

“I, and many who know him, will not allow it to outweigh our appreciation for the chief’s dedication and service to the City of Bethlehem for over 30 years.”

DiLuzio was previously a detective, and was elevated to chief in 2014.

Deputy Chief Scott Meixell will immediately assume the duties of interim chief of police.