NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan, the police department's highest-ranking uniformed officer, is retiring, and Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison will replace him, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea announced Thursday.
Shea said Essig's work ethic has reflected the values and concerns of the citizens where he has served.
"Chief Essig's commitment to the public good, and his vision for fair, effective policing, has seen our city through to its historic crime reductions," he said. "His experience makes him uniquely suited to carry on the department's work in fighting violent crime. I am proud to announce his promotion to Chief of Detectives."