Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Most notably, she received the Purple Heart Letter Award in 2017 after being struck by a drunk driver who plowed his vehicle into a crowd of 30 Endymion parade goers while she was on parade duty. . Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. His sons legal problems aside, Ferguson said he is focused on the task of overseeing the roughly 1,200 officers who patrol what is still one of the countrys most dangerous cities. 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. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. 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.. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. "The City of . Copyright 2022 WVUE. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. We were a close-knit unit, Ferguson said of his early days. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. 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. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. At the time of his appointment to Chief, he was serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Please include the headline. 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. 18, 2019. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. The best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. 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 was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. 715 South Broad St The crucible of Algiers, an area apart from the rest of New Orleans with its own history of violence and police brutality, helped shape the 21-year NOPD veterans approach to the job. Ferguson will retire at year's end. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. "Its time to go home. You have permission to edit this article. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. 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. 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. 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 time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. 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. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. Between 2004 and 2007, he worked "persons crimes" in the 3rd and 8th districts, which respectively patrol areas such as Gentilly and the French Quarter. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. 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, along with NOPD 4th District Commander Ceasar Ruffin, appeared alongside Cantrell in August to speak at a peace rally in Eleanor McMain Secondarys gym, to honor slain 15-year-old Chance Smith, a freshman at the school, who was fatally shot by another teen in Algiers on Aug. 18. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans and also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. City Council President Helena Moreno released the following statement: Superintendent Ferguson faced significant challenges over the past several years, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the people of our City. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. shaun ferguson nopd wife. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. He will be sworn in Friday. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today, Moreno said in a statement following the announcement. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. 715 South Broad St Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. Ed Chervenak, a political scientist at UNO, said that he expects Cantrell to do so, and doubted that it would change her already sour relationship with the council. Amid mounting pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position at the end of this year, according to a statement from Mayor LaToya Cantrell. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. At the time of his appointment to Chief, he was serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. 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. "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. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. 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. Good luck brother.. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. Moments after dropping his two sons off at their school bus stop, Ainsworth was fatally shot in Algiers Point while trying to defend a woman who was being carjacked. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. Over this last year, the city has seen serious reductions in crime, such as aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, business and residential burglaries and non-fatal shootings. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. We can see that Chief Fergusons strong commitment, willingness to consult with other public safety experts and his well-trained police force are making a difference in this city today. new road legal quad; bungou stray dogs chuuya x reader; Related articles; cookie clicker unblocked the advanced method; 1999 ford f350 crew cab headliner As the New Orleans City Council approved the city budget for the upcoming year, including a package of incentives for recruiting and retaining New Orleans Police officer, councilmember at-large J.P. Morrell repeated his desire to see NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson replaced. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 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. Ferguson issued the following statement regarding his retirement: "I want to thank Mayor Cantrell and her administration for their constant support over the past four years. We dont have to go anywhere.. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. Ferguson's monthly financial retirement package would be $12,524 if he chooses not to work for a police department following his retirement from the NOPD, according to the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System. 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 . Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. As a parent of a teenage son and lifelong resident of the City of New Orleans, Woodfork uniquely understands the challenges that the department and the city face as well as the success that can be achieved together. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. I WAS NOT FORCED. He emphasized that he was not forced out and that he spoke about retiring to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before Thanksgiving and even weighed his retirement during the budget hearings. All rights reserved. He called the profession of a police officer a "noble calling," saying it was a job that he put before his family for a long time. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." While this is a family matter, Chief Ferguson wants to be clear that the NOPD will conduct a proper and complete investigation just like we do in every case, Cunningham said. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. 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. A New Orleans Advocate analysis of the citys 911 database suggests that crime actually rose by 25 percent during Fergusons tenure there, outstripping the citywide 11 percent increase. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. Cantrell's statement about Ferguson's retirement can be read below: "The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. 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. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Jan. 14 announced the 46-year-old Ferguson as her choice to replace former chief Michael Harrison, who has taken a job as police commissioner in Baltimore. We need a new Chief., Superintendent Ferguson faced significant challenges over the past several years, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the people of our City. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. 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. We need a new Chief, period. 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. 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. Sitting in his new corner office on the top floor of police headquarters, Ferguson smiled when he was asked about his favorite moments from that first tour of duty. Emergency Calls: 911. Jacob Lundy, a former NOPD officer who resigned in 2017 after 10 years and works as a criminal justice consultant, worked under Ferguson in the 2nd District when he joined the department. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. In the roughly five years between graduating high school and joining the force, he worked as a private security guard and as a maintenance assistant for the Army Corps of Engineers. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. In a copy of his most recent resum,obtained through a public records request after Cantrells announcement, Ferguson claimed that he reduced crime by 10-15 percent within two years as commander of the 4th District. 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But his record is not without a blemish. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. 2021. Cantrell's statement about Ferguson's retirement can be read below: "The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. #NOLA. Ferguson graduated from O. Perry Walker High School in Algiers in 1990, according to his personal history record. Ferguson was sworn in as . I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. COVID hit. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . Richard Pennington, the only NOPD chief since 1980 who didnt rise through local law enforcement ranks, served eight years under former Mayor Marc Morial beginning in 1994, the city's high-water mark for deadly violence. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. 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. The right process will find the best people. He emphasized that he was not forced out and that he spoke about retiring to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before Thanksgiving and even weighed his retirement during the budget hearings. Ferguson told McMain students at the rally that by spearheading the event and planning a march to City Hall, they demonstrated their leadership to the community. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. She received both a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement from Southern University at New Orleans. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. "I was not forced out. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. Still, Ferguson acknowledged politics as he described a toxic environment right now. He declined to assess Williams as a potential successor while he rattled off names of other NOPD brass he said were qualified to succeed him in the post. Overall, Ferguson's work history, coupled with interviews with fellow cops, community members and other public officials, shows an officer equally comfortable charging through doors as shaking hands. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. "About Jonette Williams:Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District.Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. I think Shauns biggest challenge was he continued to be asked to do great things with less and less people each day, and little political support to make recruiting and retention the governments No. View online City tools and other City websites. The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. 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. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. In 2020, everything changed so cold. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche said yesterday that NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson deserves the highest accolades for his handling of the department since the pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests began. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans, where he also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.
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