Peduto Names News Public Safety Director
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Mayor Bill Peduto named a new public safety director Wednesday.
He announced he is hiring FBI Special Agent Stephen Bucar to fill the position.
According to a press release, Bucar is currently working in Washington, D.C. in the FBI's Counterterrorism Division.
"For the last three years, Bucar, 54, has overseen FBI units in Washington D.C. responsible for the analysis of terrorism information, a counterterrorism 24-hour command post, and investigations of initial threat activity for terrorism field offices across the United States," the release said.
Bucar grew up in Washington County and he is expected to begin work in early June.
"I am excited to return home to southwestern Pennsylvania and help the Mayor -- and the city's public safety employees -- build a new Public Safety Department for Pittsburgh," Bucar said in a statement. "I have long enjoyed working in law enforcement and government, and this position will be both a challenge and the natural next step in my public service career."
In a press release announcing the hiring, Peduto also thanked former Public Safety Director Michael Huss for his service.
"This was a difficult decision. Mike dedicated many years of service and professionalism to Pittsburgh, and neither the city nor I will forget that," Mayor Peduto said. "Just as importantly Steve is a model for the changes we need to make to the Public Safety Department and the city as a whole. I need someone to repair the deep fractures within Public Safety, which have held back the good people in the department, and impacted our relations with neighbors citywide. He is a beacon for every city department showing the ways of the past are no longer acceptable."
Following the announcement, Huss joined KDKA Radio's Bill Rehkopf on the KDKA Afternoon News to talk about the decision and his time here in Pittsburgh.
"I think it's good for the public safety department to finally have an identified new director," Huss said. "Obviously, as you know, I did submit my name as part of that search. I've been very proud to serve the City of Pittsburgh, especially when you get the chance to lead people that lay their lives on the line to make our city a better place, that's quite an honor."
Mayor Peduto has made it known that he still would like Huss to keep a position in Pittsburgh, but has been mum on what that position may be. Huss said he is willing to weight his options.
"I don't know, I would have to see what he has in mind. Obviously, right now, I do want to continue to live in the City of Pittsburgh. I like it here, my family is here and I'm going to continue to look for opportunities in the private sector. Obviously, I'll be all ears for what he has in mind and I'll surely listen and I'll have to make a decision from that point."
Ex-Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Mike Huss On New Director
Bucar has also previously served with the Pennsylvania State Police in Uniontown and Belle Vernon barracks and the West Brownsville Police Department.
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