A high-ranking New York City police chief who sparred with reporters and liberal politicians and is close to Mayor Eric Adams has retired after more than 30 years on the force, the police said on Wednesday.
The official, John Chell, 56, most recently held the title of chief of department, making him the top uniformed officer, in charge of crime-fighting strategies and operational planning. His last day was Wednesday. Commissioner Jessica Tisch appointed Michael LiPetri, the chief of crime control strategies, to serve as interim chief of department.
“Chief LiPetri is a true crime fighter, and under his leadership, the N.Y.P.D. has delivered record low shootings across the city and the safest quarter ever on the subways,” she said in a statement. “I would like to thank Chief John Chell for his more than 30 years of service to this department and New York City.”
Chief Chell’s departure came 10 days after Mr. Adams said he would not seek re-election and as questions arise over who will run the department when a new mayor takes office in January. It is unclear whether Commissioner Tisch, who took over last year and has been credited with returning stability to the department, will remain in the job.
Over his decades in the department, Chief Chell worked in seven precincts and in units that investigated narcotics and auto larceny, and held major leadership roles, including commanding officer of detectives and of patrol boroughs throughout Brooklyn. As chief of patrol and then as chief of department, he oversaw declines in most major crimes in the city, including homicides and shootings.
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The post A Top N.Y.P.D. Chief and Adams Ally Retires appeared first on New York Times.
