Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight (left) has announced that he's stepping down. MacKnight says he had been planning to retire early next year, but has come to an agreement with the city where the early retirement provisions of the contract will be honoured.  That means he'll leave the job at the end of the month. MacKnight has been a member of the force for 25 years and chief for seven. The last year has likely been one of his most challenging. He and the force have faced criticism for their handling of controversial blogger Charles LeBlanc. The city administrator is in the process of setting up a review of that case. Mayor Brad Woodside says a decision on a process to choose a new chief will be made in the coming days.