White Plains Mayor Justin C. Brasch has appointed Wade Hardy as the City’s Public Safety Commissioner. The Common Council confirmed the appointment at its January 5, 2026 meeting.

 As Public Safety Commissioner, Mr. Hardy will lead the overall operations of the City’s police, fire, EMS and 911 services.

Mayor Brasch said,

“Wade Hardy brings 39 years of experience in law enforcement and corporate security leadership and management to the job, including 22 years with the White Plains Police Department. We are thrilled to have him on board and know that under his leadership, the already strong Public Safety Department will continue to excel and be best in class not only in Westchester, but in New York State and the nation.”

During his previous tenure in White Plains, Commissioner Hardy led the Narcotics Unit, Anti-Crime Unit, Community Services Division, and oversaw various investigations in the Detective Bureau. He was also a leader on the special response team.  While leading the Community Services Division, he advanced initiatives to improve conditions in public housing, foster better relationships with at-risk youth, and regularly met with neighborhood associations, community organizations, local clergy, and the White Plains Central Business District.

He also spearheaded initiatives to combat regional retail crime. One of his career highlights was uncovering evidence that led to the location and apprehension of a man hiding in an apartment in White Plains who was wanted for the murder of a Norfolk, Virginia, Police Officer.  Throughout this broad swath of experience he has consistently sought to build bridges between the police department and the community, which has shaped his approach to policing.

Commissioner Hardy said, “I am energized and fully prepared to take White Plains Public Safety to new heights. In White Plains, everyone is important and everyone matters. This great City that I love is fortunate to be protected by a public safety department built on professionalism, integrity, commitment to service, and respect. Our firefighters and police officers strive for continuous improvement so that the service they provide tomorrow will be better than today. Our goal is to be the gold standard in public safety.”

 After retiring from the WPPD, Commissioner Hardy managed corporate security at Con Edison for 12 years and more recently, served as Deputy Chief Criminal Investigator for the Westchester County District Attorney‘s office. In the District Attorney’s Office, Commissioner Hardy was additionally responsible for improving police community relationships throughout Westchester County. He is a board member for a number of White Plains and Westchester County community-based organizations, which has allowed him to maintain his ties to and continue to participate in our White Plains community. Additionally, Commissioner Hardy served as an integral member of the White Plains Police Reform Committee.

Wade Hardy succeeds David Chong, who served as White Plains Public Safety Commissioner for 16 years. White Plains recognizes the leadership of Commissioner Chong and thanks him for his dedicated service to the City and its residents.

Read Commissioner Hardy’s full bio here