Cantrell made no mention of a pick as she delivered her State of the City address Wednesday evening. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Adamant that he was not pressured to leave his post as the NOPD's superintendent, a solemn and sometimes emotional Shaun Ferguson on Wednesday (Dec. 7) said his decision to retire after 24 years on the city's police force was his and his alone. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. Without those raises, there was no way to retain veteran officers who left at historically high levels at a time when recruitment was impaired by COVID. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. It appears the Mayor might appoint his replacement immediately, in order to avoid the January 1st City Charter change that gives the City Council approval powers. No more getting up trying to see whats going on., A day after her handpicked police chief announced his resignation, and following months of controversies over her use of official perks, Mayor. This is New Orleans. She has a long family history of law enforcement careers, including her father, who joined the force in 1968 as a cadet, and her uncle Warren G. Woodfork Sr., who was appointed as the first African American Superintendent of the NOPD. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. His tenure as Chief saw the national rise in crime due to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but under his diligent leadership, the NOPD persevered. He has a bachelors degree in business administration from Southern University of New Orleans, NOPD said in a 2015 news release about his promotion to 2nd District commander. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 2021. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. And thats what this is all about.". That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. The speedy transition meant the public had little chance to probe Fergusons background before he was named chief, a process that is beginning as he takes the reins. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson Sr., left, and outgoing chief Michael Harrison, salute one another during the final walk and swearing-in ceremony at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan . Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. "After 24 years of service in a profession that takes a lot out of the individuals who answer this call, it is time for me to take a step back and place more priority on my family and my own well-being. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. City Council Vice President J.P. Morrell called for Fergusons resignation last week as the council worked to approve the citys $1.5 billion budget, of which, $25 million would go towards a police recruitment and retention incentive package. He said that the data was not an indictment against officers who work for the NOPD and expressed his appreciation for the officers in the department.Ferguson called the back and forth between him and the DAs office unwarranted, and was firm in his message of the challenges the NOPD faced in regard to violent crime. The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. 9 talking about this. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 715 South Broad St We just stayed together. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. I would like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to Chief Ferguson for your nearly 25 years of service, selflessness and sacrifice, especially in accepting my appointment of you as Chief in January 2019. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. (504) 658-4000 Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. It was an overwhelming feeling, but Ill never forget it.. Your steadfastness in the face of these challenges and tragedies certainly has been a source of comfort to your fellow officers, affected families and victims and our community overall. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. While Ferguson patrolled the French Quarter and Central Business District, colleagues across the river were involved in an incident that reopened the unhealed scars of the Algiers 7 shootings and erased trust the department had rebuilt under Pennington. "I am grateful for the opportunity we had to work so closely together to improve our citys public safety through a collaborative, holistic approach and through working in tandem with other City departments.". Ferguson called the back and forth between him and the DAs office unwarranted, and was firm in his message of the challenges the NOPD faced in regard to violent crime. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. He urged the council and other city leaders to work together and to stop political showmanship and "show up to the table" with open communication and ideas. Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. Shane Ferguson lives in Algiers and turned himself in at the 4th District police station in Algiers, according to municipal court records obtained by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Beat cop Shaun Ferguson was patrolling near the Fischer housing development after midnight in 2001 when he heard the words that still haunt him crackle over the radio. I WAS NOT FORCED. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. We need a new Chief, period. This is my decision. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. Ferguson said his commitment to accountability does not conflict with caring for officers, even ones who have fallen under criminal suspicion. I was not forced out. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. Ferguson was hand-picked by Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New Orleans.Ferguson was chosen to lead the department after former Superintendent Michael Harrison announced he was leaving New Orleans to become the police commissioner in Baltimore. In August 2015, during jury selection for veteran 4th District Officer Michael Thomassies trial on allegations of raping a 7-year-old girl, Thomassie received a pair of text messages from Ferguson. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Submit request online Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. NOPD Supt. By Ken Daley. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. NPR's Audie Cornish talks with New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson about the summer spike in violence and how the city has changed their policing efforts under a Justice Department order. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson was hand-picked by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New . Commercial audiobook. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 By David Jones. He gave this city his very best the safety and wellbeing of each and every resident and visitor was always his top priority," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. A 20-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department is an unconventional contender for the role of top cop not only because of who she isa, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. COVID hit. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". So far, Ferguson has not announced any major changes to his predecessors approach to violent crime or to the departments reform agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, called a consent decree. Good luck brother.. View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Still, for the remainder of the month the mayor has the authority to pick her own police chief without running the choice by the council. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. Its called accountability, he said. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. MondayFriday View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. "I was not forced out. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". New Orleans Police Department HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. As Superintendent, Chief Ferguson helped shape the NOPD into a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient department, capable of repairing the broken rapport between the NOPD and our citizens and business owners. New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757 If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. Earlier in the day, Ferguson expressed gratitude for his nearly four years as the citys top cop as he defended his stewardship of the force in troubled times, while saying the decision to retire was his. He said that the data was not an indictment against officers who work for the NOPD and expressed his appreciation for the officers in the department. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Shane Ferguson, the 21-year-old son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail on a charge of domestic-abuse battery Tuesday night, Jan. 22, 2019. You have permission to edit this article. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson, Sr. acknowledges the L.B. Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Shaun Ferguson, a 24-year veteran of the department announced that he would be stepping down from his post and into retirement to spend more time with his family, effective Thursday, Dec. 22. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. A policewoman had a hand in killing her partner and two others during a botched robbery at a New Orleans East restaurant, and a policeman had a hit man murder a woman who had filed a brutality complaint against him. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. You have permission to edit this article. It would be disingenuous to the appointee and the people of this city if there were any attempt to circumvent this process, therefore, I am looking forward to the opportunity to engage the public in a community discussion on this important next step.". Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. He is also a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Unrated. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. Ferguson also sits on the board of the Jugs Social Club, which organizes the historically black Krewe of NOMTOC's Carnival parade on the west bank. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. Cantrell, whom Ferguson praised next only to God for her support of him as police chief, asked that he take the holiday to consider it. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. As Superintendent, Chief Ferguson helped shape the NOPD into a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient department, capable of repairing the broken rapport between the NOPD and our citizens and business owners. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. He is also a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. In 2020, everything changed so cold. As the number of officers started to go down, we saw a violent crime surge in the city - up 136% over the last three years. As New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson reflected on his impending retirement while denying he was shoved out, a chorus rose Wednesday for Mayor LaToya Cantrell to look far and wide for a new chief. Ferguson said it was time to focus on family, and he felt confident that he had made a difference in his time with the police department. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative. In 2016, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, initially assigned to the 7th District before moving to the 2nd District under the supervision of then Commander Shaun Ferguson. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. Ferguson was chosen to lead the department after former Superintendent Michael Harrison announced he was leaving New Orleans to become the police commissioner in Baltimore. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. "I am grateful for the opportunity we had to work so closely together to improve our citys public safety through a collaborative, holistic approach and through working in tandem with other City departments. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. You have permission to edit this article. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. Ferguson, 46, who had been seen as a rising star in NOPD by some observers, has served as a district commander at NOPD since 2014. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Ferguson oversaw a department plagued by steep officer losses and few new recruits to replace them, while facing criticism over a lack of a plan to deal with the surge in violence as the force shrank. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Since then, the city has faced countless challenges the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, two major hurricanes, a global pandemic, global inflation and a nationwide shortage of public safety personnel that New Orleans was certainly not immune to. His application remained on file, however. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. View online City tools and other City websites. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. "I would like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to Chief Ferguson for your nearly 25 years of service, selflessness and sacrifice, especially in accepting my appointment of you as Chief in January 2019. 715 South Broad St The situation was perfect to accomplish that goal, said Donovan Livaccari, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police, noting the pressure from the council. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. The department came calling again in 1998. Fergusons tenure he would have reached four years as chief next month -- is fairly standard for New Orleans police chiefs, who serve at the will of the mayor. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Commander Shaun Ferguson who spent much of his 21-year-career in the New Orleans Police Department in leadership roles in Uptown districts is Mayor LaToya Cantrell's choice to be the department's next chief. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. He gave this city his very best the safety and wellbeing of each and every resident and visitor was always his top priority," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. The right process will find the best people. He will be sworn in Friday. In a statement, Ferguson . As he ascended into the upper tier of NOPD leadership, Ferguson maintained a near-spotless disciplinary record, with the exception of a single sustained complaint three years ago. Well change as we need to change, he said. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Shane Ferguson, the 21-year-old son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail on a charge of domestic-abuse battery Tuesday night, Jan. 22, 2019.
Karrin Taylor Married Robson,
Charles City, Va Obituaries,
Current River Waterfront Property For Sale,
Weymouth Building Department,
Articles S