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Brown Promises Appointments of Police, Fire Commissioners Soon

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – Coming soon to the City of Buffalo -- a new police and fire commissioner. That is what Mayor Byron Brown is promising. But for now, a review of the candidates continues.

The Mayor's office says a police and fire commissioner could be named by this week. Brown says he is very pleased with the search for new leaders of the those departments.

"We have had candidates express interest, not only from the city, but throughout the region, and from other parts of the country," Brown said. "We are confident that once those appointments are made, whether they are local, or not local, we will get the best people possible to run our police and fire department."

As of late last week, Brown said they were closing in on finalists for the posts.

"And I am excited by the caliber of candidates that seem to be emerging for those positions."

About two weeks ago, Mayor Brown named Joseph Strano to serve as interim police commissioner. Rocco Diina retired, and Brown's transition team is conducting a nationwide search. Strano has not applied, and said he was not interested in the position. But Brown says Strano is doing a tremendous job and keeps his office posted on daily criminal activity. Brown says he doesn't think crime troubles will grow without a permanent leader in place.

"No concern about that at all," Brown said. "Acting Commissioner Strano is a very confident, very creative law enforcement professional."

Brown says his transition team is working hard to make final recommendations to him. The Mayor says he even had a chance to participate in a few interviews meeting with some of the candidates.