Chicago police Superintendent David Brown talks about city crime rates on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (WTTW News)

David Brown’s tenure as Chicago’s top cop has officially come to a close, as the Chicago Police Department appointed his temporary replacement Thursday.

First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter will serve as interim police superintendent until the city’s next mayor appoints a permanent replacement.

"It is my privilege to serve as interim superintendent and lead the brave men and women of CPD," Carter said in a statement. "We will continue the progress we made under the leadership of Superintendent Brown to build trust in our communities and strengthen safety across every neighborhood."

As first deputy superintendent, Carter has served as the police department’s second-in-command since July 2020, overseeing deployment operations.

Brown announced earlier this month he would be leaving the department after nearly three years on the job. That move came one day after Mayor Lori Lightfoot — who appointed Brown in 2020 — failed in her bid for re-election.

She was bested by former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, who are vying for the mayor's office in a run-off set for next month.

While Brown had identified March 16 as his final day with the CPD, he reportedly made an early exit as he plans to return to his native Dallas where he’s accepted a position as chief operating officer of the personal injury law firm Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

With Brown gone, the city’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will now develop a list of possible candidates to present to the new mayor. The mayor can then choose one of those candidates or request a new list. Once a finalist is selected, that person must be confirmed by the City Council before the new superintendent officially takes office.

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431