Even though Santa Claus made an appearance at NYPD promotion Thursday morning at One Police Plaza, the real Kris Kringle was Commissioner Dermot Shea, as he gave out nine top promotions and 30 high ranking job boosts.
In addition, he gave out 25 civilian job promotions for their work with the NYPD.
Among those promoted include 28-year veteran Chief Rodney Harrison, who succeeded Shea as Chief of Detectives. Vincent Grippo earned the highest ranking civilian job of Chief of Staff.
Also promoted was Fausto Richardo, who moved to the rank of Chief of Patrol; Former Transportation Chief Thomas Chan, who moved to Chief of Management Analysis and Planning; and Chief William Morris, who’s now Chief of Transportation.
Others getting 3-star jobs were Chief Raymond Spinella who received Chief of Support Services; Chief of Crime Control strategies Michael LiPetri and Chief of Personnel Martin Morales.
Shea recently took the reigns from former Commissioner James O’Neill, who retired and took at job at Visa. The new top cop said he wanted to make sure he had the right team in place moving forward.
“A few weeks ago, I was sworn in, so this is my first uniform promo ceremony, so getting the right people int0 the right positions was important so everyone — especially the first row, you are the team. This is your time – seize the opportunity. Be the change that needs to be made. The entire NYPD is counting on you,” Commissioner Shea said.
He gave special recognition to Chief Brian McGee for his work in the Central Robbery Division in helping keeping robberies low, despite a “small spike.”
“There’s a little spike in robberies right now, small, but any spike in robberies is disconcerting,” Shea said.
Harrison became the first black man to serve as NYPD Chief of Detectives. He was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, not far from where 14-year-old Aamir Griffin was shot and killed while playing basketball at the Baisley Park Houses in October. The case still has his personal attention as they continue to seek Griffin’s killers.
“This organization is poised for a successful 2020 and beyond,” Shea concluded. “You are in those seats today because you’ve made the NYPD a better place.”
