Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the appointment of Kevin Farrell as the 41st Commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation in a Blue Room ceremony at City Hall. Mr. Farrell will lead the Sanitation Department after serving more than 37 years in the New York City Police Department, most recently as the Executive Officer of the Police Department's Detective Bureau. The appointment is effective immediately.
"Commissioner Farrell has been an outstanding leader in the Police Department and a key part of the changes that have made New York City safer," Mayor Giuliani said. "He is perfectly suited to take on this challenging job and I have every confidence in his leadership as the City prepares to close the Fresh Kills Landfill by December 31, 2001. With 37 years of experience in the Police Department - most recently serving as Executive Officer of the Detective Bureau, the second highest ranking position in the Police Department's Detective Bureau - he has been responsible for the administration of all detective squads and investigations. As Sanitation Commissioner, Kevin will be able to draw on the knowledge and experience he gained in dealing closely with both uniformed and civilian personnel.
"In addition to his wealth of experience, Kevin is also a strong manager. I congratulate Kevin and his family, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity as Sanitation Commissioner."
Commissioner Farrell said, "It has always been my goal to help people. Police officers, fire fighters and sanitation personnel are all public servants and work to serve the people of New York City. I want to thank the Mayor for this wonderful opportunity and I look forward to working with him as Sanitation Commissioner."
Prior to becoming Executive Officer at the Detective Bureau, Commissioner Farrell served as Commanding Officer of the Detective Borough Manhattan from May 1996 to January 1999 where he commanded 26 detective squads and was responsible for investigation of all index crimes in Manhattan. He has also served as Commanding Officer of the Patrol Borough Staten Island from October 1994 to May 1996 where he commanded all uniform and detective police functions for the borough.
While there, he oversaw a reorganized staff and the institution of new initiatives that resulted in a 20 percent decline in total index crimes, the largest decline in any of the eight Police Department Patrol Boroughs.
Commissioner Farrell has also served in the Police Department as Executive Officer Patrol Borough of Queens, Executive Officer of the Chief of Department, Citywide Community Policing Project Coordinator, Commanding Officer of the Civilian Complaint Investigative Bureau and Executive Officer of the Police Academy.
A graduate of the New York City Fire Department Academy, Commissioner Farrell also graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In addition, he received a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Iona College in New Rochelle.
As Sanitation Commissioner, Mr. Farrell will oversee 9,000 uniformed and civilian personnel among whose duties include: the collection and management of solid waste, recycling, waste reduction and clearing the streets of litter, snow and ice.
During the announcement, the Mayor also thanked First Deputy Commissioner Michael Carpinello, who has served as Acting Commissioner since last Fall.
A lifelong resident of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Commissioner Farrell and his wife, Anne, have two grown children Nancy, 30, and Kevin, 27. Kevin is a police officer in Midtown North.