Albany has a new police chief.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan has nominated Eric Hawkins, currently chief of the Southfield, Mich, Police Department in suburban Detroit.
"Hawkins embodies the qualities that New York's Capital City deserves in its Chief of Police," Sheehan said in a prepared statement. "I am proud to welcome him to our great city."
Hawkins joined the Southfield PD in 1990, and was named Chief of Police in October, 2012. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University, and earned a Master of Science from Central Michigan, and a Juiris Doctor from Western Michigan's Cooley Law School. He's a graduate of the FBI's National Academy, Eastern Michigan University's School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI's Command Institute for Police Executives, and Central Michigan's Law Enforcement and School Liason Program Institute.
"I am honored to be chosen to lead the men and women of the Albany Police Department," Hawkins said. "The department has a rich history of working with the community in resolving issues and enhancing safety and security."
Hawkins will replace Robert Sears, who has served as Acting Chief for the past year and a half.
Common Council has 45 days to approve or reject the appointment. Council recently approved a pay raise for Albany's New Police Chief. He will be making $145,000 a year.
No word yet on when Hawkins will assume his duties in Albany.
photo: Office of Mayor Kathy Sheehan