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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 APPOINT UNITED STATES MARINE LIEUTENANT GENERAL FRANK LIBUTTI IN NEWLY-CREATED POST OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF COUNTER-TERRORISM


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.

 

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Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958
Michael O'Looney, NYPD
(212) 374-6700