NYPD police chief retiring from force after over 30 years of service, interim chief appointed
NEW YORK, New York (WABC) -- After over three decades with the NYPD, Chief John Chell is retiring from the force and his current role as Chief of Department.
Chief of Department is the NYPD's highest rank of uniformed officer. The role is charged with overseeing the department's crime-fighting and public safety strategies, quality-of-life initiatives and operational plans.
"Our city owes him a debt of gratitude," Mayor Eric Adams reacted to Chell's retirement.
"I would like to thank Chief John Chell for his more than 30 years of service to this department and New York City," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement.
Chell posted a goodbye message on social media and said his last day was last Friday and it's time to "pass the torch."
Tisch announced Wednesday that Chief Michael LiPetri will be taking over as interim Chief of Department.
LiPetri currently serves as Chief of Crime Control Strategies and manages the design and implementation of the NYPD's precision policing plan. Previously, LiPetri worked as the commanding officer of Transit District 32, the 101st, 79th, and 75th Precincts, and in the Office of the Chief of Department, among other assignments.
"Chief LiPetri was the architect of the NYPD's successful crimefighting strategy resulting in the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. His ability to quickly assess and deploy resources while fostering partnerships with the community and other agencies makes him the perfect fit for the top uniformed position in the NYPD," Adams said.
"As the interim Chief of Department, he will continue to lead the NYPD's work to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust," Tisch added.
In addition to his new role, LiPetri will continue to serve as Chief of Crime Control Strategies, a position he has held for the past six years.
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