Sources: Former Pittsburgh Assistant Chief Larry Scirotto is mayor's choice to be new chief
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Sources tell KDKA-TV the Gainey administration will be announcing a new police chief in Pittsburgh.
Multiple sources confirm Larry Scirotto, a former assistant chief in Pittsburgh, will be named as the mayor's choice to lead the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Sources say the job was initially offered to Ryan Lee, the former embattled police chief of Boise, Idaho, but after some initial pushback from Pittsburgh City Council, the same sources say that the offer was withdrawn and Scirotto will be named instead.
Scirotto was a career officer in Pittsburgh until he retired in 2018. He then accepted the job as chief in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in June 2021. However, he was fired after about six months over a dispute about promotions, accused of racial discrimination for allegedly favoring minority candidates.
Sources say Scirotto has been in Pittsburgh this week and was seen Thursday at City Hall meeting with the mayor's staff. He is expected to be present at the announcement early next week. But he must be approved by Pittsburgh City Council to get the job.
KDKA-TV spoke with South Side Councilman Bruce Kraus, who worked with Scirotto when he was the South Side commander. He had nothing but praise for Scirotto and said he would enthusiastically vote to approve him.
Scirotto, Lee and former Pittsburgh Police Commander Jason Lando were named as finalists for the job by a search firm.
Throughout his career, Scirotto also has worked as a referee in NCAA basketball games.