City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, April 9, 2019) -- Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today that, after conducting a national search, she has selected Rochester Police Department Deputy Chief La’Ron Singletary to be the permanent chief of the Rochester Police Department.
“La’Ron Singletary was born and raised in Rochester and has advanced through the ranks of the Rochester Police Department to distinguish himself among his peers at an international level,” said Mayor Warren. “I have no doubt he will be an outstanding chief of police. As our most recent crime statistics have demonstrated, community engagement saves lives. La’Ron’s expertise in this arena will be critically important as we continue our efforts to strengthen the partnerships between the community and the RPD.”
“I’d like to thank Mayor Lovely Warren for selecting me and having the confidence in me to lead the men and women of the Rochester Police Department as the next Chief of Police,” said Deputy Chief Singletary. “Having been born and raised in the City of Rochester, being a graduate from the Rochester City School District, and having the familiarity with many in the community allows me the opportunity to hit the ground running. I will work hard to serve the men and women of the Rochester Police Department and the citizens of the City of Rochester to ensure we continue to provide a level of service that strengthens relationships, while continuing to focus on crime reduction.”
Deputy Chief Singletary was selected from among more than 20 candidates who responded to a national search for the permanent chief. His appointment will be effective upon confirmation of the Rochester City Council.
He would replace Interim Chief Mark Simmons, who has been in that role since September upon the retirement of former chief Michael Ciminelli. Simmons is expected to return to his former position as Deputy Chief of Administration.
“Mark Simmons is consummate public servant who sacrificed precious moments away from his growing children to not only maintain, but improve upon the high standards of the Rochester Police Department,” said Mayor Warren. “This community owes Chief Simmons a tremendous debt of gratitude for the time he gave me to find the perfect candidate for permanent chief.”
Mayor Warren added that the quality of the other candidates, with included both external and internal applicants to reach the final round, made the decision difficult.
“It is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of the men and women of the Rochester Police Department that we attracted the attention of so many qualified candidates,” said Mayor Warren. “I am grateful to the all of police professionals who applied for this position, as their participation greatly improved the process.”
Deputy Chief Singletary, 38, is a 19-year veteran of RPD. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Community Affairs in January of 2018. In this role, he developed and implemented strategies related to communications and community engagement, as well as other related functions such as recruitment. He also served as RPD’s primary Public Information Officer.
He served in a variety of patrol assignments in different neighborhoods of the city, including Crime Prevention Officer. As a Police Officer, he also served as RPD’s Public Information Officer and Aide to the Chief of Police. As he rose through the ranks, Deputy Chief Singletary served as a Patrol Sergeant, and was assigned to the Professional Standards Section, which is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by RPD officers. After being promoted to Lieutenant, he served as a Patrol Platoon Commanding Officer. As a Captain, he first served as a Staff Duty Officer in command of the Department during the overnight shift. He also served Commanding Officer of the Administrative Services Division, where he oversaw the Professional Development Section, which is responsible for recruitment, hiring and training; and the Technical Services Section, which is responsible for the many administrative and support functions.
Deputy Chief Singletary holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the State University of New York at Brockport; a Baccalaureate Degree from Keuka College; and an Associate’s Degree from Monroe Community College. He has also graduated from various leadership programs such as the FBI National Academy; the United Way’s African American Leadership Development Program; and Leadership Rochester.
Deputy Chief Singletary served as an advisor with the Rochester Police Explorer’s Program and as treasurer of the RPD’s Rosewood Club. He serves as president of the local chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and has attended numerous conferences related to issues affecting law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In 2017, he was recognized the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) with its “40 Under 40 award,” which recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession.
Deputy Singletary is a native of the city of Rochester and a graduate of the Rochester City School District’s John Marshall High School’s Law and Government Magnet Program in 1998.
The City contracted the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to lead the national search and review the first round of applications. A committee headed by Deputy Mayor James Smith conducted the next level of review and submitted a recommendation to the Mayor for her appointment.
Deputy Chief Singletary received a unanimous recommendation from the Search Committee, which also included Michael Cerretto, Director of Emergency Communications and a retired lieutenant colonel in the State Police; Caesar Carbonell, Director of City Security; Chris Wagner, Budget Director; and Tassie Demps, Director of Human Resource Management.
“La’Ron’s vast experience in every facet of law enforcement during his distinguished career at the Rochester Police Department, coupled with his proven knowledge of community engagement and his extensive communications background, made Deputy Chief Singletary a stand-out among all the fine candidates we interviewed,” Deputy Mayor Smith wrote in his recommendation letter to the Mayor.
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News media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.