More than three years after Alton Sterling’s death, Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul is apologizing to his family and city.

During a Thursday news conference, Paul said that the officer who shot and killed Sterling, Blane Salamoni should never have been sworn in.

“We are sorry Baton Rouge. I want to apologize to the family of Alton Sterling and also to his kids,” he said. “We’re sorry because he should have never been hired.”

Though Salamoni and fellow officer Howie Lake II were not prosecuted, Salamoni was fired in March 2018, reports The Philadelphia Tribune. According to CNN, Salamoni appealed his termination, but later reached a resolution with the police department.

“I sincerely apologize for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in building barriers in communities of color in Baton Rouge,” Paul said during the press conference. Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, who represents residents in North Baton Rouge, said Paul’s apology is the first step in the healing process.

“It took three years for the Alton Sterling family to hear somebody to say, 'I'm sorry.' An apology goes a long way,” she said. “I was not expecting the apology, but I welcomed it; the community has embraced it.”

Sterling’s aunt, Sandra Sterling, said the apology marked a turning point for her and her family.

“This was the first time I could breathe. Finally, the truth has come out, finally. That’s all we ever wanted to hear. We were never against the police, never,” she told WAFB9. “It’s been a tough fight. I’m tired. I’m ready to move forward. I’m ready to press it forward. I’m ready to get my life back, 'cause my life was taken away from me with Alton.”

Murphy Paul

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week