View Press Conference | FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2002 PR-012-02 www.nyc.gov |
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly
today appointed United States Marine Lieutenant General Frank Libutti
in the newly-created post of Deputy Commissioner of Counter-Terrorism.
As Deputy Commissioner, General Libutti will plan and direct the NYPD's
prevention, training, detection, response, and investigation efforts
for terrorist threats directed toward New York City. The Office of
Counter-Terrorism will also include a Medical Advisor and a Chief
of Counter-Terrorism. Current Chief of the Organized Crime Bureau
George F. Brown, who is also an attorney, will serve as the three-star
Chief of Counter-Terrorism.
"This Administration recognizes that our duty to protect the public's safety no longer ends at water's edge," Mayor Bloomberg said. "In addition to fighting more conventional crimes, from quality of life offenses to serious felonies, the City must also work to protect itself from acts of terrorism. General Frank Libutti is the ideal person to lead New York City in this necessary and vital endeavor. His years of military experience serving our country at the highest levels and his profound understanding of security issues should instill confidence in all New Yorkers that their City will remain safe and open for business."
"In the wake of September 11, the NYPD is bolstering its command structure by appointing General Frank Libutti as its first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Counter-Terrorism," Commissioner Kelly said. "The General is certainly capable of ensuring that New York City is vigilant and prepared, that its police force is adequately equipped and trained, and that the City forges and maintains strong strategic relations with state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies. Having served with great distinction in the armed forces and having worked with United States Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, the General is a superb leader and I look forward to working with him in helping New York City become safer than ever."
"I am honored
to serve the people of the City of New York in this capacity,"
General Libutti said. "New York City endured a devastating attack
on September 11, and New Yorkers have dealt with the situation admirably.
Now the City, with its extremely capable Police Department at the
helm, must work tirelessly to prevent and respond to potential threats.
I believe that we are ready to confront the challenge and I look forward
to protecting the residents and visitors of New York City from any
and all threats."
General Libutti
most recently served as Special Assistant for Homeland Security at
the United States Department of Defense. Prior to that, he was Lieutenant
General and Commander of the United States Marine Corps Forces in
the Pacific. During his distinguished career, he was an Infantry Platoon
Commander in Vietnam, a Member of the Office of the Chairman of the
Joint Chief of Staff, and also served as Captain, Major, Lieutenant
Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier General. General Libutti is a graduate
of the Citadel and the Marine Corps Officer Candidate Program. He
is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Defense
Distinguished Service Medal and the Purple Heart with two gold stars.
www.nyc.gov
Contact: | Edward
Skyler / Jerry Russo (212) 788-2958 |
Michael
O'Looney, NYPD (212) 374-6700 |