Interim CPD Supt. Eric Carter to retire on May 15; same day Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson takes offce
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Interim Chicago Police Supt. Eric Carter will be retiring from the department on May 15, the same day Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson will be sworn into office, further thinning the top ranks at CPD as the new mayor takes office.
"To the residents of Chicago, law enforcement agencies, clergy, community leaders, and the many organizations who work each day beside CPD, thank you. Your continued partnership strengthens public safety daily across our great city," Carter said in a statement. "It has been my greatest honor to serve as your Interim Superintendent and I have committed to working with Mayor-Elect Johnson to ensure that our department continues to deliver transformational service to Chicago's residents and visitors throughout the summer season, as the search for a permanent Superintendent continues and the subsequent transition."
Carter took over as interim superintendent last month after former Supt. David Brown resigned on March 16.
In 30 years with CPD, Carter had held several top command posts, including as Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism and Special Operations, Deputy Chief of the Special Functions Division, Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Organized Crime, and Commander of both the 4th (South Chicago) District and 6th (Gresham) District.
In a letter to the department, Carter said he made the decision to retire late last year, and recently informed both Lightfoot and Johnson of his plans.
"I know that I am fortunate that my time with the Department has been augmented by incredible public safety partners. From the men and women who served - and continue to serve - beside me, to the Chicago Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC), and the Department of Streets and Sanitation along with the many local, state & federal law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations, city agencies, and community and philanthropic organizations, thank you. Your leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Chicago made me better, and our city stronger," he wrote. "I want to specifically acknowledge and offer my gratitude to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, both sworn and civilian, past and present. Whether I worked with you personally or we had a brief casual acquaintance, it has been my distinct honor and pleasure to serve with you. Each of you continue to be some of the most devoted and creative individuals, the very demonstration of courage and compassion in a world that is sometimes filled with doubt and despair. I consider you my extended family and offer fervent prayers for the best in your futures."
Lightfoot congratulated Carter in a statement shortly after CPD announced his plan to retire.
"As a Marine, husband, and father, he has given the full measure of himself in service to the residents of this city and the officers under his command. I am thankful for his dedicated commitment to our city and for leading the brave law enforcement officers who keep us safe. I wish him the best as he transitions to his next chapter," Lightfoot said.
His retirement marks another significant departure for the top ranks at the Chicago Police Department, ahead of the traditional summer spike in crime in Chicago, after former Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan left in February for a job with Google.
The new Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability already has launched a search for a new permanent superintendent. The commission is holding a series of public hearings on the job opening before recommending a panel of three finalists to the new mayor. Johnson may either nominate one of those finalists for confirmation by the City Council, or ask the commission to begin a new search.
It's unclear who will take over for Carter on an interim basis before a permanent superintendent is appointed.
