Syracuse, N.Y. — Joe Cecile, who has worked for the Syracuse Police Department for 37 years, is the city’s new police chief.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh made the announcement at a news conference Friday afternoon at the Public Safety Building. Cecile will take over immediately.
Cecile, 61, previously served at first deputy chief under Kenton Buckner, who resigned Friday. Cecile was a finalist for the chief job three years ago when Buckner got the job.
Cecile served as deputy chief since 2010 and first deputy chief since 2015.
“Joe is an innovative, collaborative and forward-thinking leader,” the mayor said. “He motivates others to work towards his vison. He is respected by both members of the force and of the community. He is a person of honor and strong character, and he loves this city.”
Walsh said his decision to name Cecile chief was made before Friday. He said the conversations began several weeks ago.
“We expected the transition to take place,’ Walsh said. “Initially, I thought it was because Chief (Buckner) would be taking the new position out in Olympia (Wash). ... obviously that changed, but our transition planning hadn’t.”
Buckner in early March confirmed he was a finalist to be police chief in Olympia, Washington. Today, Olympia city officials said he had been the city’s preferred candidate.
Cecile, who lives in Marcellus, said he does not plan to move into Syracuse. He said he previously lived in the city for 28 years.
“I know this city as well as anyone,” said Cecile, who graduated from Corcoran High School. “I understand the Syracuse community. I grew up here.”
Syracuse mayors have often requested that their police and fire chiefs live in the city, but it’s not a requirement. Under the new police and fire contracts, the city can now require new firefighters or police recruits to live in the city,
Cecile also said he received a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.
Cecile comes from a family with deep public service roots.
His father, Bob, was an associate dean at Syracuse University who later became a common councilor. His mother, Norma, was a former school board member in Ohio who retired as Syracuse’s commissioner of licensing.
One of his brothers, James, is a local judge and another brother, David, was a school board member. His sister Kathy and brother Dan are also both retired Syracuse Police Department sergeants.
Buckner announced in a statement Friday afternoon his resignation as police chief, citing personal reasons. He also announced that he has withdrawn as a candidate for the police chief job in Olympia.
“Chief Buckner leaves on the best of terms,” Walsh said. “He did exactly what I asked him to do three years ago when I swore him in. He felt that we were far enough along in our transition planning that it was the right time, and we agreed it was the right time.”
Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.