Crime & Safety
First African-American Port Washington Police Chief Sworn In Wednesday
Lt. Brian Staley makes history.
The Port Washington Police Department made history Wednesday.
Lt. Brian Staley, a 31-year veteran of the department, became the first African-American in the more than 100-year history of the Port Washington Police District to be named to a chief's position.
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Staley thanked the community and fellow officers for their support before being sworn in by Police Commissioner Dave Franklin just after 11 a.m.
"You have no idea how much this means to African-American people," said Staley, who was promoted to deputy chief in front of a large crowd of friends, family and colleagues at the Protection Engine Company. "It's not my achievement, it's our achievement."
Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the police district website, the first chief of the department was Frederick J. Snow in 1904.
"Today is a great day for the police district and even a better day for the community we serve," said acting Port Washington Police Chief James Salerno.
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