ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Interim RPD Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan will be stepping down, according to the City of Rochester.

Her last day on the job will be Oct. 13. RPD Deputy Chief of Operations David Smith will become the interim chief until the end of the year.

The interim chief's decision was made public on Wednesday, two days after Mayor Lovely Warren pleaded guilty to violating election law and announcing she would resign from office as part of a plea deal.

“I thought it was time to move on and it's a great time for a new chief to be selected to step in this process and take this department forward," Herriott-Sullivan said.

Herriott-Sullivan was appointed to the position by Mayor Warren in September 2020 and sworn in shortly after. She was the first woman in the Rochester Police Department to hold the position of chief. She replaced La’Ron Singletary, who was ousted during the controversy surrounding the Daniel Prude case.

Herriott-Sullivan joined RPD in 1985. During her time with the police department before retiring, she served as the executive lieutenant in the office of the chief. She retired in 2009 with more than 20 years of experience under her belt, according to Warren. During her time outside of the force, she worked on criminal justice disparities, including issues surrounding homelessness, and keeping kids off school suspension track.

She said that while Evans asked if she wanted to stay on and she said, although she loves the city, she believes it’s time for change.

"When I came in, as you all know, I had a job I loved and took a break from that to come and do what I could to help the city," Herriott-Sullivan said. "I still feel that way. I have no regrets. I love this city."

Herriott-Sullivan will return to her position at the Rochester Housing Authority, which allowed her a yearlong break so she could take the role at the RPD.

She says she has been working hard to make a smooth transition for Smith.

Smith says he recognizes he’s coming to the chief’s office at a challenging time.

"Change isn't always bad," Smith said. "We've been through some changes that although there was some turmoil, they were changes that needed to take place. 'Reform' is really just another word for 'change.' 'Change' is just another word for 'reform.' As long as everyone keeps moving forward and has the best interests of the city in mind, we'll keep moving forward."

Smith started as an officer in 1992 in the Genesee Section, and has worked his way through the ranks to his current position of deputy chief of police. He does not live in the city limits, not a requirement for an interim chief, but if he would be asked to stay, he would have to move.

“Well, I mean I've always liked to think of myself as a people person," Smith said. "I've led from that aspect, and I've always interacted with the community from that aspect. I encourage that, with officers in the rank and file again, we are part of the community. We have to be a part of the community we have to be engaged.

"In the end, you know, when hard decision has to be made, I can make those decisions.”

Smith said the department won’t see significant change, and will move forward with changes that have been set forward with Herriott-Sullivan. He said he’s learned a lot from her this past year and he’s excited to begin his new role as interim police chief.

“I'm happy to serve in whatever capacity I can and keep the department on track," Smith said. "And then down the road with the new mayor new administration. I'm happy to serve in whatever position they see fit to help me and after the change.”

Presumptive Rochester Mayor Malik Evans released this statement on Wednesday: