New Rochester Police Interim Chief David Smith officially takes on role

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — There is a new lead at the helm of the Rochester Police Department.

RPD Deputy Chief of Operations David Smith is now the interim police chief, following the resignation of Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, who served in her role for one year. Herriott-Sullivan was initially hired to serve for a year, and that year ended Wednesday.

Smith, who has been with the department for 28 years, will be the fifth chief to serve under Mayor Lovely Warren. When he was formally introduced during a news conference last week, Smith talked about what the position would look like moving forward.

"People are asking, ‘What will we see now?’" Smith said. "You’re not going to see really any significant change. The department will move forward along the track we’ve set for it."

A permanent chief likely won’t be hired until next year. That hire will be made by the new mayor, who is presumed to be Malik Evans. At the time Smith’s promotion was announced, Evans released the following statement:

"I want to thank Interim Chief Herriott-Sullivan for her many years of service to the Rochester Police Department. She stepped up and served as Interim Chief during a challenging time for the Department. She should be commended for embracing the challenge. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. I anticipate working with Deputy Chief David Smith, who will serve on an interim basis. I look forward to the important search for a permanent Chief."