Port Authority officials have named a new leader for the 1,700-member department responsible for the region’s airports, seaports, Hudson River bridges and tunnels, and PATH train system, according to an article from The Star-Ledger.
Lt. John Ryan, a 33-year veteran of the Port Authority Police Department, was appointed Friday as acting chief.
Ryan’s selection follows last week’s announcement that three senior officers are being asked to retire after failing to discipline a subordinate commander who is believed to have sent himself a copy of a promotions exam in 2011, the Star-Ledger reports.
Agency officials have publicly said that they were concerned that the commander may have sought to provide test answers to job applicants, according to the article.
Agency reform was already in motion after a March report by former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff recommended changes including reorganizing the department.
Ryan commanded the rescue and recovery operation at the World Trade Center in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, and has worked in the region’s airports and the Port Authority bus terminals, officials said in a statement.
“He is a proven leader who, along with superintendent of police Michael Fedorko, the PBA looks forward to working with to restore the PAPD as one of the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area’s premier police departments,” said Paul Nunziato, Port Authority Police Benevolent Association union head.
