August 13, 2002

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718) 595-6600

Edward J. Welch Sworn In As Director Of DEP Police

Commissioner Christopher O. Ward administers the oath of office to Edward J. Welch as Director of DEP Police.

Walton, NY, August 12, 2002 - At ground-breaking ceremonies for a new Police Precinct at Beerston, a few miles south of this village in Delaware County, Commissioner Christopher O. Ward of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also presided at the swearing-in ceremony of Edward J. Welch as the new Director of DEP Police

"It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Edward J. Welch as Director of DEP Police and to preside at his swearing-in ceremony, said Commissioner Ward. "Chief Welch will supervise DEP police operations in the watershed areas of the City's upstate reservoirs, as well as at DEP facilities in the City. He will coordinate enforcement efforts with the Department's Watershed Inspectors, as well as DEP and Corporation Counsel attorneys, and will act as principal liaison between DEP, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and federal and State law enforcement agencies. In addition he will coordinate all DEP Police anti-terrorism efforts, training and activities."

Currently a faculty member at John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he teaches courses in contemporary policing, Chief Welch is a highly decorated veteran of the NYPD. During his last five years on the force, he served as Commanding Officer of the Forty-third Precinct Robbery Squad and retired in May of 2000 with the rank of Sergeant-detective Supervisor.

Chief Welch has a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.

"His professional and academic experience make Chief Welch an excellent selection for this important position," said Commissioner Ward. "We are pleased to have him on board as he takes on the awesome responsibilities of supervising law enforcement efforts to protect the infrastructure, properties and water quality that nine million New Yorkers rely on throughout the year".