The full command staff of the department announced that they would leave the force.
After days of protests against the Rochester Police Department in light of the death of Daniel Prude, its top officer and command staff announced on Tuesday that they were retiring from the force.
Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletteri said in a statement that he has been honored for his 20 years of service in New York’s upstate city and praised his staff. However, he said the protests and criticisms of the conduct of the investigation into the March 23 incident were an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.
“As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by when outside companies try to destroy my character,” he said in a statement. “The Rochester Police Department and members of the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what is in store for me.”
His retirement will take effect on September 29, according to Loretta Scott, president of Rochester City Council. Scott told ABC News there is now no blueprint of how the city will move forward after the retirement of command employees.
Antonio Romanucci, the attorney representing Prud’s children, called the departure of Eklika “an important and necessary step towards healing and meaningful improvement in the community.”
“Clearly, the conduct of the officers in Mr. Prude’s case was inhumane, and the subsequent cover-up was unacceptable,” he said in a statement. “We expect Rochester leaders to work hard to get justice for Mr Prude and to address issues of systemic racism and training protocol in the police department.”
Mayor Lovely Werner informed Rochester City Council that in addition to SingleTree, the entire command staff announced their retirement today. He noted that no police leader had been asked to resign.
The announcement came during a scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, and Scott said she did not know Singletari would make her announcement.
“It was unexpected. I didn’t know it was going to happen,” Scott said. “I don’t know if Blindside is the right word. But yes, that’s right. This was a briefing to talk about how the police handled the protest.”
Among those retiring was Deputy Chief Joseph Morbito. He served in the Rochester Police Department for 34 years.
He wrote in a statement, “It has also been my honor to serve this community for so many years; my born and raised community and deeply loved.”
CMDR. Fabian Rivera also announced his retirement, while Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and CMDR. Everyone in Henry’s favor left the command staff to return to their former lieutenant rank.
Last week, Body D camera footage showed the March 23 incident involving Rochester police officers and 41, Prude. Prude’s brother, who called 911 for help, said Daniel had a mental health crisis.
In the video, the officers were naked, approached Prude and Prude initially obeyed the officers’ orders. Prud was then seen screaming and spitting, prompting officers to place a spit bag on his head.
Officers then have the bag on his head and he eventually becomes lifeless. Prud died a week later.
The news has sparked protests across the city over the past six days and in some cases has taken a toll. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident and seven members of the Rochester Police Department have been suspended with pay. The AG’s office fee said over the weekend that it would help a grand jury determine whether the incident was justified by criminal charges.
Prud’s death was not announced until the video was released by Democrats and the Chronicle on September 2.
Since the video’s release, advocates and community activists have criticized the police force for keeping Proud’s death and investigation wrapped up for months. Vern Run and Singlettery have defended their actions, saying that everything they have done so far has been done through the book.
“He didn’t try to cover it in any way,” Warren told the city council.
The report contributes ABC News’ Elondra Valle, Chris Donato and Josh Hoyos.
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