Here's what police chief said in letter to department after Orlando shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Following the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, Orlando Police Chief John Mina sent a letter to everyone in the police department telling them how proud he was, and to "hug your family."

MORE: At least 50 dead, 53 wounded in Orlando nightclub shooting, police say

The letter reads in part:

"On the darkest day of my 25 years at the Orlando Police Department, I wanted to take a moment to tell all of you how proud I am of the work you have done today and will do over the next days and weeks.

We have trained again and again for this type of situation. It's unfortunate that we had to put those skills to use today. But because of that training and your professionalism, we saved dozens of lives this morning."

To read the full letter, see the Facebook post below:

The letter has received an outpouring of support on Facebook, with Florida residents, and people around the world thanking the Orlando Police Department for how they handled the tragic situation.