City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Nov. 5, 2010) – Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy today named the City’s Director of the Office of Public Integrity, James M. Sheppard, as the new Acting Chief of the Rochester Police Department (RPD), subject to City Council approval. Sheppard replaces Chief David Moore, who is stepping down to allow for a smooth transition for the next administration in January. Moore will serve as Director of the Office of Public Integrity (OPI) until the end of the year.
“I have had the honor of working with Jim Sheppard for many years as he rose through the ranks in the Rochester Police Department,” said Mayor Duffy. “He ran the Professional Standards Section when I was police chief and rose to the position of Deputy Police Chief of Operations. He is an outstanding police officer, outstanding administrator and an outstanding leader. He has served this community with honor and integrity. I know the RPD is in good hands for the future.”
Said Sheppard: “I am extremely honored and humbled at my selection as Acting Chief of Police. This has always been my dream job. I am committed to making this city the safest mid-sized city in the nation. I want to thank Mayor Duffy for his faith and trust in me and I will build on the successes of the past to make the Rochester Police Department the best it can be, and that work begins today.”
Mayor Duffy continued: “I want to thank Chief Moore for his outstanding service to our city. The Chief offered to help in the transition to the new administration by helping to support the new acting chief and to graciously pick up the duties of Director of OPI.”
Sheppard served with distinction for 27 years in the Rochester Police Department, rising to the number two position in the RPD before retiring in 2008. He then served as the Director of Safety and Security for the Rochester City School District for two years before returning to the City as Director of OPI this year.
Sheppard resides in the city with his wife June. The couple has three grown children, James, Tamara and Stephanie.
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News Media: For more information, call Gary Walker in Communications at 428-7405.