By COLlive reporter
The New York City Police Foundation held a farewell reception for outgoing NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea at the New York Athletic Club in Midtown Manhattan last week.
Shea has led the nation’s largest police department from 2019-2021, navigating it through the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota which sparked mass protests and crime.
Shea was presented with a plaque that included all the shields of the NYPD as participants enjoyed music by the Police Jazz band.
In his remarks, Shea thanked the Department and his friends for giving him the opportunity to serve as Commissioner.
In attendance from the Jewish community were Devorah Halberstam, Honorary Commissioner of Community Safety and Chair of Hate Crimes Review Panel at the NYPD; NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor, the Commanding Officer of Community Affairs; and NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel.
The small but exclusive invitees also included Director of Jersey City Public Safety James Shea, First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker, Chief of Staff Vincent Grippo, Chief of Intelligence Thomas Galati, Chief of Personnel Marty Morales, Chief of Detectives James Essig, Chief of Labor Relations Edward Delatorre, Chief of Risk Management Matthew Pontillo, Chief of Transportation Kim Royster, Chief of Housing David Barrere, Chief of Training Kenneth Corey, Chief of Interagency Operations Theresa Tobin, Chief of Special Operations Harry Wedin, Chief of Transit Kathleen O’Reilly, Deputy Commissioner of Community Partnerships Chauncey Parker, Deputy Commissioner of Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Public Information John Miller.
Shea will be succeeded by Keechant Sewell who spent 25 years at the Nassau County Police Department and most recently served as chief of detectives. Appointed by Mayor-elect Eric Adams, Sewell will be the first woman to lead the department.
“I want to wish her a warm welcome to the NYPD family,” Shea tweeted. “And I know the people of New York City and all the brave men and women in blue are in good hands with her at the helm.”
VIDEO: Commissioner Shea speaks to PIX11 on his time leading NYPD
