Richard Worley, James Wallace sworn in as Baltimore's police commissioner and fire chief

BALTIMORE - Baltimore City has a new police commissioner and fire chief.

Richard Worley was sworn in at City Hall on Thursday as the city's 41st police commissioner, while James Wallace is officially sworn in as the city's newest fire chief.

"Today, we officially embark on a new chapter in our commitment to keeping our residents safe, healthy and secure," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. "Both of these public servants had to confront a host of historical, and at times, heartbreaking challenges for our community. They've been asked to navigate these unprecedented moments and do so with the residents' best interest in mind, and with the utmost candidness and accountability."

The two were confirmed in front of the Baltimore City Council on Monday.

Worley has been with the Baltimore Police Department for 25 years. He was first nominated for the job of commissioner by the mayor in June after Michael Harrison resigned.

"Police Commissioner Worley is a seasoned law enforcement professional who has not only risen through the ranks here but is also a Baltimore native but has also proven to every point in his career how dedicated he is to Baltimore's residents and building on the progress our police department has made. He knows how far we have to go and how far we have come," Mayor Scott said.

Worley, a Pigtown native, joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1998. 

He spent his first four years with the department on patrol in the Western District before he was promoted to Lieutenant in the Western District in 2008 and was promoted to Major a year later. 

In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel as Chief of Patrol. In 2021, Worley was assigned to a post as Chief of Detectives before being named in September 2022 to be Deputy Commissioner of the Operations Bureau where he oversaw Patrol, Criminal Investigation and several other units. 

"I want to thank Mayor Scott for nominating me and sticking with me," Worley said. "We've had a rough couple of months. Also for my early years in the northeast where we spent together learning community policing and where I will put that here."

Wallace has served as Acting Fire Chief since former chief Niles Ford resigned last year following the release of an investigative report into the fire that happened on Stricker Street that killed three city firefighters in January of 2022.

"Fire Chief Wallace, who has dedicated his life to saving lives in Baltimore, has been a leader in our department, both officially and as a mentor," Mayor Scott said. "He has shown unwavering courage in the face of danger and the fire department is lucky to have his leadership."

Wallace has served in nearly every leadership position within the department, including as a battalion commander. 

"I want to reaffirm my commitment to the citizens of the City of Baltimore that I will continue to work tirelessly to build upon our department's capable abilities and ensure the safety and well-being of our community," Wallace said.