BPD Commissioner Ed Davis Expected To Announce Resignation Monday
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis is expected to announce his resignation on Monday, a police official told WBZ-TV.
At 10 a.m. Monday, Davis is scheduled to "discuss his future plans" during a press conference at Boston Police Headquarters, according to a Tweet from the Boston Police.
Davis rose to national prominence during the law enforcement response to the Boston Marathon bombings. His calm demeanor during multiple press conferences on the bombings and the search for those responsible drew widespread praise across the country.
Dorothy Joyce, a spokeswoman for Mayor Tom Menino, provided the following statement from the mayor to WBZ-TV: "Thanks Commissioner Davis for his tremendous work over the past seven years and (the Menino administration) will work with him to make sure there is a smooth transition as a new mayor comes into office to find their own full-time replacement for police commissioner."
Along with Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick, Davis ordered a daylong, city-wide lockdown after the two bombing suspects were involved in a shootout with police. One suspect died following the Watertown gun battle, a second was later taken into custody and is awaiting trial.
Delivering the commencement address at the University of Massachusetts Lowell a month later, Davis said the two bombs that exploded near the Marathon finish line taught him much about police work — and the resiliency of human beings.
"I learned to think the unthinkable," Davis said. "I learned that the most horrific of circumstances can produce the most inspirational and heroic of actions, not just by one single person, but by hundreds of them."
Davis, 57, has spent almost seven years as Boston's top police official after being appointed by Menino in 2006. He previously served as the Lowell's superintendent of police.
Davis' departure comes just as the race to replace Menino kicks into high gear. A preliminary election on Tuesday will whittle a dozen candidates down to two for the Nov. 5 election.
Several mayoral candidates released prepared statements in response to Davis stepping down.
"Commissioner Ed Davis deserves the gratitude of everyone in Boston," Dan Conley said. "For nearly 7 years, Ed Davis has provided a steady hand and unparalleled leadership to our city. I've had the privilege of working with him closely and can attest to his integrity, his professionalism and his compassion. Ed loved his job, he genuinely cares for the people of Boston, and he is leaving Boston and the Boston Police Department better places. I can think of no higher praise."
"I have worked closely with Ed Davis during his time leading the Boston Police Department and he has worked tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe," Rob Consalvo said. "Ed Davis displayed uncommon valor and leadership in the aftermath of the marathon bombings and he has served our city well. Ed's decision to retire presents an opportunity for the next mayor to increase diversity at the highest levels of the police department, and if elected mayor, I look forward to working with organizations like (Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers), our community leaders, our police unions and others to find a commissioner who can fill Ed's shoes."
"Ed Davis has had a great career and is a dedicated public servant," Mike Ross said. "While I've criticized issues at the police department during this campaign, I've never doubted for a second that Commissioner Davis is committed to making our city safer for all residents. They will be big shoes to fill, but I will appoint a police commissioner who is committed to increasing diversity throughout the department -- especially at the senior levels -- and who believes in utilizing innovative technologies to help fight crime."
"I want to thank Ed Davis for his service to the City of Boston and wish him well in his future endeavors," Bill Walczak said. "I also urge Mayor Menino to appoint an interim Police Commissioner so that his successor can fill the position permanently."
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
