The sudden early retirement Miami-Dade County’s Police Department director shocked and saddened the rank and file Thursday, and raised questions among them about whether the move was political. “My decision to leave here is my decision,” said Director James Loftus at the beginning of an emotional news conference. “I was not ousted.” The 30-year police veteran, leader of the largest, busiest force in Florida, chose to end the pull and angst every working parent knows well, and choosing to spend full-time with his wife and 11 and 13-year-old daughters. “That’s my family, that’s one of the most emotional things in my life,” said Loftus. “You can’t do this the way it needs to be done if you split your emotions and attentions between work and family.” Loftus explained his early retirement in this email Thursday morning to the department. He was due to retire in January 2014, but decided to move the official date to October. With accrued time off, his last day will be Friday. Local10