ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Brian Young, the commander of the Special Victim's Unit, announced he will retire on May 31, 2018. Young has been the SVU commander since 2013.

"It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of St. Joseph County for the past 32 years, and to serve as the SVU Commander for the past 5. Though I leave behind an immensely satisfying law enforcement career, I have every confidence that the great men and women of the SVU, under the direction of Prosecutor Cotter, will continue their great work serving the most vulnerable members of our community," Young said in a press release.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter said he is sad to see Young go, but applauds his accomplishments while leading the unit.

"I have known Brian Young for many years, and I have tremendous respect for him as a law enforcement officer, investigator, and commander. Though we are sad to see him go, I respect and understand his decision. Investigating and seeing the kind of cases handled by the special victims unit on a daily basis can take a vast emotional toll. I applaud the great work Commander Young has accomplished in his five years at SVU, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. The next Commander will have large shoes to fill," Cotter said in a press release.

Young was a member of the South Bend Police Department for 21 years before leading the SVU. Before that he worked 6 years at the Mishawaka Police Department.

Upon his retirement, Young will be taking a position with the private sector.

A replacement has not yet been chosen.