Suffolk County Executive Makes Pick For Top Cop

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has made his pick for police commissioner. He has selected acting commissioner and veteran cop Edward Webber.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

At first, Webber, 65, did not want the job. WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported that he didn't even want to be considered.

But after he was named acting commissioner in January, he became more intrigued and decided he did want the job.

Bellone agreed and today announced Webber's nomination.

"I will focus our law enforcement efforts on fighting drugs, especially prescription misuse and abuse, illegal guns, and making our roadways and waterways safer," Webber said Wednesday. "We have a set plan going forward on how to address the drug problem, how to address the gang problem."

Webber also said he would like to hire more officers.

Webber is also a certified public accountant and has saved the county $2 million in police overtime costs this year.

The Suffolk Police Benevolent Association put out a statement saying it welcomes Webber's nomination.

"The PBA is very comfortable with the selection of Edward Webber as Police Commissioner and I would like to commend County Executive Bellone for making what we feel is the correct decision," said PBA President Noel DiGerolamo. "As a 40 year member of the of the Suffolk County Police Department, having served as Chief of Patrol and Chief of Support Services, where he was in charge of budgetary control, Edward Webber has the vast experience needed to manage the department."

"His institutional knowledge and experience will guide the department in providing services to the residents of Suffolk County, particularly during times of fiscal constraints," added DiGerolamo.

The County Legislature is expected to approve the nomination next month, Hall reported..

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