ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - City of Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco has announced that retired New York State Police Investigator Michael Grande will assume the part-time position of City Public Safety Commissioner.

"I am looking forward to Mike's arrival," Mayor Fusco said. "He will be a huge asset to the administration working hand-in-hand with our public safety divisions. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and credibility to the position and will do an excellent job for the people of Rome."

According to Mayor Fusco's Office, Grande will assume the position on or about April 1. Grande's retirement from the State Police takes effect on March 31.

"Mike Grande is a quality individual," said Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach. "Mike is very familiar with the Rome Police Department from his many years working major crimes, as well as being a member of our community. I have personally had the pleasure of working joint investigations with Mike over the years and we have formed a very good working relationship. I look forward to working with Mike in his new capacity as Public Safety Commissioner."

A native of the City of Rome, Grande is married to Jean Grande and together they have three adult children. A graduate of Rome Free Academy, Grande began his law enforcement career in 1981 when he enetered the New York State Police Academy in Albany.

Rome's Deputy Police Chief Kevin Simons grew up in the same neighborhood as Grande.

"I have known Mike Grande since I was a young kid. We grew up three houses apart," Deputy Chief Simons said. "While I was a detective, I had the occasion to work with and share information with Mike, who was always easy to work with."

Since graduation from the academy, Grande has been assigned to New Hartford, Oneida and Lee.

In 1994, he was promoted to Investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), a position he remain in until 2000, when he was assigned to the Troop D Major Crimes Unit in Oneida. As a member of that unit, he specialized in homicide and violent crime investigations.

"Mike Grande is a steady, thoughtful professional who will bring 32 years of public safety knowledge to the city administration. I look forward to meeting with Mike to discuss his perspective on the integration opportunities among the Codes, Police and Fire Departments," said Codes Enforcement Director Mark Domenico.

Fusco says that Grande has extensive experience and training in such areas as arson investigation, sex offense investigation, narcotic investigation, pre-employment background investigation, death case investigation and mitigation, social media, domestic incident investigation, disaster preparedness, and sexual harassment discrimination, as well as a host of other areas of investigative work.

"I think his history and knowledge of public safety gained through his employment with the New York State Police will be a great fit for his new role as Commissioner," said Fire Chief Ron Brement. "He brings a history of lifelong residency, firsthand knowledge of our neighborhoods, and an extensive list of accomplishments that will benefit both the Rome Police and Fire Departments. His training and connections within the state ranks will enhance our operations and possibly open new doors for us."

The vacant public safety position has been budgeted for this year and will be paid out of the salaries and wages code of the public safety budget, Mayor Fusco stated. Grande's salary will be $25,000 without benefits and he will be working out of the second floor office in City Hall between the mayor's and common council president's offices when he assumes the position April 1.