Herriott-Sullivan pledges to give it her all at RPD

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Mayor Lovely Warren named a new interim Chief for the Rochester Police Department on Saturday.

Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan will become the first woman ever to serve as the city’s police chief. This announcement comes two weeks after Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary was fired by Warren for his handling of the Daniel Prude case.

"I am extremely pleased to inform you that I’m appointing Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan to serve as the new interim Chief of Police of the Rochester Police Department," Warren said.

Herriott-Sullivan temporarily fills the position currently held by Acting Police Chief Mark Simmons. She joined the force back in 1985 and worked her way up the ranks. Warren says she last held the position of Executive Lieutenant in the Office of the Chief before retiring in 2009.

Herriott-Sullivan thanked Warren for having the confidence in her.

"I love this city, and I’m gonna give it my 110, 20, 40, 50-percent effort," she said.

"Given all that has happened in our own community, and across the nation, it is abundantly clear that traditional police practices must be altered, and improved to better serve and protect our citizens," said Mayor Warren.

Herriott-Sullivan, a native of Rochester, also worked for the Rochester Housing Authority. She most recently served as the RHA’s Interim Deputy Executive Director. She brings with her 24-years of experience.

"I know these are tough times right now, but I believe strongly that if we all bring our best to the table you know we’ll be able to get it done," said Herriott-Sullivan.

Rochester City Council member Willie Lightfoot says he’s very excited that Herriott-Sullivan was picked to lead the Department.

"I think she has deep ties, community ties into the community, and I think by her just being a woman she brings a different perspective to the job especially being the first woman in that position I think brings a different perspective to the position," said Lightfoot.

Herriott-Sullivan will start on October 14th.