Story Created:
Jun 16, 2009 at 3:25 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jun 17, 2009 at 6:26 AM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Mayor David Roefaro officially announced that Daniel LaBella will become Utica's official and permanent Chief of Police. LaBella has been holding the position on an interim basis since May of 2008 and, until Tuesday, was also the city's public safety commissioner.
LaBella had only planned on being the police chief on an interim basis, but has changed his opinion on that as of late.
LaBella will earn about $100,000 a year in his role. The position of public safety commissioner will be eliminated. LaBella's appointment will expire when he turns 70 years old.
LaBella said the operations of the Utica Police Department should not be left on one person's shoulders and there needs to be teamwork to protect the city. He said, "I can only say that I guarantee you good things are going to happen within the city. We are on the road to success in combating crime in our city."
Also in the running had been the department's deputy chiefs, Mark Williams and Michael Bailey.
Some people question LaBella's credentials and if he is an appropriate choice for the police chief title, also being a long time personal friend of Mayor Roefaro. Mayor Roefaro said, "Crime is down, the police department is at the top of it's game. It's not about that, it's about doing the job that he set out to do, being able to do the job, he is at the top of his game and he is the police chief because of his credentials and nothing else."
After Utica's previous chief C. Allen Pylman resigned in May of 2008, LaBella was named interim Chief. During that same stretch, two deputy chiefs retired. Following the department shakeup back in 2008, here is what LaBella told NewsChannel 2.
"...We have lost our top level command staff...the chief and two Deputy Chiefs. right now the department needs stability. it needs longevity. and we hope to accomplish that by having a permanent civil service chief," LaBella said.
The exam is just one of the factors considered when naming a person to the position of chief - a decision that ultimately rests with Utica Mayor David Roefaro - LaBella's current boss, longtime friend, and the man who appointed him Commissioner of Public Safety after terminating former Public Safety Commissioner Phil Taurisano, after taking office.
Mayor Roefaro can appoint a chief from the top three scores on the civil service exam.
LaBella passed the exam by four points. The reason he was able to take the test, according to LaBella and Mayor Roefaro was due to the actions of the Village of New York Mills.
Following the retirement of Police Chief Brad Frankland, the Village asked Oneida County to hold a Civil Service test, which opened the door for LaBella to join others vying for Utica's seat.
LaBella also resigned his position as an Oneida County Legislator. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says the county's charter states he must replace the vacated position with someone affiliated with the same party as the predecessor, in this case being a Democrat.
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