Police Supt. David Brown announced major leadership changes Wednesday that he said will usher in the next generation of leaders whose mission will be to make Chicago “the safest city in the country.”
Eric Carter, a 28-year department veteran and former Marine who grew up in Jackson Park, was promoted to the role of first deputy superintendent.
Carter, who previously served as chief of the bureau of counterterrorism, will take over the role from Anthony Riccio, who is retiring after 34 years with the department.
Chief of Operations Fred Waller, also a 34-year veteran who’s retiring, was replaced by Brian McDermott, who’s been with the department for 25 years, most recently as commander of the Chicago Lawn District on the Southwest Side.
Newly promoted Chicago Police Department Chief of Operations Brian McDermott smiles as his wife affixes his new badge to his jacket during a ceremony at CPD headquarters on Wednesday morning. McDermott, a 25-year department veteran who previously served as commander of the Chicago Lawn District on the Southwest Side, replaces retiring Chief of Operations Fred Waller.
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Brown made the promotions official during a ceremony Wednesday at police headquarters that included a series of other promotions to positions such as chief, deputy chief and district commander.
Brown, who took over the department in April, heaped praise on the officers.
“When I arrived, I compared myself to Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls who managed a team of all-stars. The Chicago Police Department is a team of all-stars. It’s like coaching Michael Jordan,” he said.
“History will look back at us and say, ‘How in the world did the men and women in blue endure that time?’ We are writing that answer now,” he said.
“How we will endure is through our high level of integrity, our accountability toward one another and our unmatched effort to make the city of Chicago the safest city in the country — and no, I didn’t stutter. Chicago can be the safest city in the country and we can police this city in the right ways that build trust.”
He closed the ceremony by saying: “God bless. Eat your Wheaties. Let’s get to work.”
