By KEITH GRANT
A Long Beach resident since 1992, Laffey had served as assistant commissioner for the past 14 months under Ken "K.C." Cohen after more than 30 years in the NYPD. Cohen retired on Monday.
"We're doing a great service to our city tonight. The City is truly blessed to find such a great person in its midst," said council member Scott Nigro.
Not everyone in the audience was pleased with the move, however. Though a far cry from the standing-room only turnout at the prior meeting, several residents continued to speak out about Laffey's planned transfer of Lt. Tom Sofield, who Laffey is switching from commanding officer of the detective division to commanding officer of the uniformed patrol. While Sofield will hold the same rank and pay, some charged that the transfer out of a post he held for 10 years was political retribution for the failed city council run by Sofield's son, Tom Sofield Jr. Though a Democrat, the younger Sofield ran on the Republican's "coalition" ticket in November and some supporters believe Democratic leaders are now punishing Lt. Sofield.
Democratic Party leader Gene Cammarato has staunchly denied any influence over Laffey's actions, and Laffey has said politics played no role in his decisions.
Prior to Laffey's official swearing in Tuesday night, Sofield Jr. called for a confirmation hearing.
"I would like to ask him under oath if he spoke to the Democratic leader [about the transfers]," Sofield told council members, "and did he make the statement that he takes orders from 'upstairs,'" meaning Cammarato.
Charging that the only stated reason for transferring Lt. Sofield was "personality differences," the former council candidate said, "I have serious doubts about Mr. Laffey's ability to lead. Mr. Laffey may have done a nice job in New York City, but this is not New York City."
"We're putting another puppet in charge of a department," Sofield said.
Mona Goodman, who also ran for council on the GOP ticket, said she wished the council had taken into consideration the large turnout of the previous meeting. "Regardless of what people in the community say, you push through what you want," she told the council.
Greg Sofield, another son of the lieutenant, alleged "you have police officers not happy with the man they're reporting to," to which City Manager Ed Eaton responded, "We have professionals in the police department. They're going to do their job."
When Sofield continued, Eaton told him to "lose gracefully," a reference to his brother's defeat on Election Day and a comment that made some council members cringe.
Eaton then said of the new commissioner, "I wish I could take credit for this hiring. I personally think it's the best personnel move I've ever seen in my 20 years. [Laffey] is the right man at the right time. I think it's the best thing for the city."
Before casting his vote to appoint Laffey, council member Denis Kelly said, "I'm very disappointed with some of the things said this evening. [In John Laffey] we have found a person of impeccable credentials."
Outgoing council member Barbara Mosca praised the new commissioner's education and experience, while council president Joel Crystal said, "I think the city will be a safer city."
Addressing the audience after his swearing-in, Laffey-who holds a one-year contract for the job-thanked his family, several former NYPD colleagues who were present, and his predecessor.
"When Kenny [Cohen] first mentioned that he was going to retire, the next thing he knew he had 175 lbs. of retired NYPD chief dumped in his lap." Laffey had assured Cohen he'd be the "perfect number two," he said.
To the critics of his selection, he said he now had "the opportunity to prove that every action I take will be in the best interest of this city. It is up to me to prove that to you."
After the meeting, retired NYPD chief Ray Powers of Long Beach said the hiring of his former colleague will be good for Long Beach.
"He has a background very few NYPD have," noting Laffey's experience as a street cop, and as a supervisor in planning, logistics and operations. "Quite frankly, I think Long Beach scored a big one."
