Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner has resigned.
Buckner releasing a statement this afternoon saying he is resigning. In the statement he also said he is withdrawing his name form consideration for the chief of police job in Olympia, Washington. He said the decision was made for personal reasons and he's confident it is the best choice for him at this time.
Deputy Chief Joe Cecile who applied for the job four years ago will take over for Buckner.
You can see his entire statement below:
Dear City of Syracuse Residents:
Serving as Chief of Police for the City of Syracuse has been a tremendous personal and professional honor. Over the past three years, along with the great people of the Syracuse Police Department, I have worked to provide professional and compassionate service in an overall effort to reduce crime. We have increased diversity, increased training, and made transparency a pillar of our organization.
It is widely known that earlier this year, I entered the search process for a Chief of Police job in Olympia, Washington. Earlier today, I withdrew my name from consideration for that position. I made this decision for personal reasons and am confident it is the best choice me at this time.
I also believe it is the right time for me to resign as Chief of Police in Syracuse. As I have pursued the position in Olympia over the past several weeks, we have prepared for the potential that I may leave the department. That process has progressed to the point that I believe it is in the best of the department that I allow the transition to move forward. I have also reached the conclusion that I am ready to move on to a next stage in my career. The time is right for Syracuse and for me. As such, I have submitted my resignation as Syracuse Police Chief.
I am deeply grateful to Mayor Walsh, Deputy Mayor Owens and the City of Syracuse for giving me the opportunity to serve here. It has been an honor to work alongside such outstanding law enforcement professionals in the SPD and this region and to be assisted by so many caring and effective community partners. I came in with a high regard for the strength of the Syracuse Police Department and leave with even greater optimism for its future.
Mayor Walsh will have an announcement later today on the leadership of the Syracuse Police Department. I trust in the Mayor’s decisions, and the men and women who serve you every day. Syracuse will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you and god bless you all.
-Chief Buckner