Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Brian Whipple will be sworn in as Schenectady's new police chief today, Tuesday (February 17), in a ceremony at the GE Theatre at Proctor's at 10 a.m. The 41-year-old assistant chief is stepping into the role following the retirement of former Chief Eric Clifford, who served the department for nearly 24 years, including 10 years as chief.
Whipple, who joined the Schenectady Police Department in January 2009, was the sole candidate who signed up for the county civil service test for the police chief position. Mayor Gary McCarthy will officiate the swearing-in ceremony, according to the Daily Gazette.
During his 17-year career with the department, Whipple has served in several key roles, including peer support coordinator, part-time tactical trainer, and commander of the agency's crisis negotiation team. Since August 2021, he has overseen the Administrative Services Bureau, where he manages the department's budget process, fleet management, and technology initiatives.
Whipple's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in marketing from Siena College and a master's degree in public safety from the University of Virginia, which he earned in 2024. In 2023, he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, as part of the 285th session.
Former Chief Clifford, who retired in January, expressed confidence in his successor, stating, "With 17 years of service to this department, he knows this organization and our community well, and I have complete confidence that he will lead the department with a continued focus on innovation, professionalism, and the trust we have built in the community," as reported by the Times Union.
The ceremony marks the official transition of leadership for the Schenectady Police Department as it moves forward under Whipple's direction.