Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, July 13, 2000

Release #277-00

Contact:

Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958

 

Marilyn Mode (DCPI) (212) 374-6700


MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR ANNOUNCE
THE RETIREMENT OF FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER PATRICK E. KELLEHER

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today announced that First Deputy Commissioner Patrick E. Kelleher will soon retire from the New York City Police Department after a long and distinguished career in the NYPD. First Deputy Commissioner Kelleher, the second highest ranking official in the NYPD, will be named Director of Worldwide Security for Merrill Lynch later today.

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said, "When the history is written of the extraordinary success of New York City Police Department at reducing crime, special credit will belong to Patrick Kelleher. Throughout his 31 years in the NYPD, Pat performed almost every aspect of police work with distinction, and served in some of the Department's most challenging and important commands. His reorganization of the Internal Affairs Bureau, and his expansion of the Detective Bureau helped make the best Police Department in the country even better. Above all, Pat's love of service, his love of the job, and his love for the men and women who perform this dangerous but vital work were tremendous assets to this City. Pat Kelleher will be missed."

"Pat Kelleher's commitment to the NYPD and his professionalism are unsurpassed," said New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir. "Pat is a rare individual of immense integrity. His tireless work ethic, his countless contributions, and his dedication to the men and women in this Department have improved this organization in ways that will be felt for decades. He will be sorely missed. But Pat has been presented with a wonderful opportunity and I know he will serve Merrill Lynch with the same level of commitment as he has served us."

First Deputy Commissioner Patrick E. Kelleher joined the New York City Police Department in January 1969 and began his career on patrol in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised.

He was promoted to Sergeant in December 1980; Lieutenant in April 1983; Captain in August 1985; Deputy Inspector in May 1988, Inspector in September 1989; Deputy Chief in August 1993; and Assistant Chief in October 1994. First Deputy Commissioner Kelleher was appointed as Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau in January 1995, and then appointed as Chief of Detectives in July 1996 before assuming his present position as First Deputy Commissioner on April 7, 1997.

During his 31-year career, First Deputy Commissioner Kelleher has served in numerous assignments which include: the Organized Crime Control Bureau, the Police Academy, the Drug Enforcement Task Force, Patrol Borough Manhattan South, the Police Commissioner's Office and the Manhattan South Narcotics Borough. He commanded the Drug Enforcement Task Force; Manhattan South Narcotics Borough; and Division I of Patrol Borough Manhattan South. He has also served as the Executive Officer of the Patrol Services Bureau; Patrol Borough Manhattan South; and the Internal Affairs Bureau.

While head of the Internal Affairs Bureau, First Deputy Commissioner Kelleher spearheaded a reorganization of the Bureau resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness. During his tenure there, he oversaw the implementation of an aggressive strategy, which holds as its cornerstone a philosophy of inclusion and adherence to the four basic principles of crime reduction: timely and accurate intelligence; proactive tactics; rapid deployment; and relentless follow-up.

When he assumed command of the Detective Bureau in July 1996, he initiated and managed the implementation of a police strategy -- Bringing Fugitives to Justice -- and participated in a number of major investigations that have been successfully concluded. In addition, he was instrumental in an expansion of the Detective Bureau, which resulted in 500 new investigators being assigned.

In his appointed title, First Deputy Police Commissioner Kelleher serves as the executive aide to the Police Commissioner and administers budgetary, management and personnel functions of the Department. Additionally, supervises the discipline system, represents the Department in labor negotiations, and advises all commanders on contract administrations.

Commissioner Kelleher is 53 years of age; performed active duty in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968; received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Staten Island; has served as the President of the American Academy of Professional Law Enforcement; has been inducted into the NYPD Honor Legion; was the 1999 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient; and has been married to his wife Barbara for 30 years and they have 3 children: Robert, a member of the United States Postal Service; Patrick, a New York City Police Officer; and Keri-Lynn, a junior at Mount Saint Mary's College.


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