Oakland police chief Howard Jordan looks on during a press conference on October 26, 2011 in Oakland. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

OAKLAND (KCBS / KPIX 5) – In a letter to officers, Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down for health reasons.

Jordan did not specify his condition in a statement released by the department:

To the members and civilian staff of the Oakland Police Department: I wanted you to be the first to know that this morning I advised city Administrator Deanna Santana that, effective immediately I am on medical leave and taking steps toward medical retirement.

This decision has been difficult but necessary. Through my 24 years of wearing an OPD badge and uniform I have emulated the department’s core values: Honesty, Respect and Integrity – values I have observed in all of you. I know that you and the department will carry on these values to generations to come.

It has been an honor to serve the city of Oakland with you.

“I had to make a choice,” Jordan told KPIX 5 in an interview near his home. “It’s deteriorating my health.”

Oakland City Council President Larry Reid, who chairs the Public Safety Committee said he was just in closed session with the chief on Tuesday.

“There was no inkling that what transpired today was going to take place,” Reid said.