In his statement, Adams said, “First, I want to thank Commissioner Sewell for her year and a half of service to the greatest city in the world,” the mayor wrote. “Commissioner Sewell not only led the NYPD with distinction and honor every day, but she inspired millions of young girls and boys in her role. When we came into office, crime was on an upward trend, with murders, shootings, and many of the most dangerous crimes up.”

 

He added, “But, today, we are safer than we were on January 1, 2022, with most major crimes down, and that is thanks, in large part, to Commissioner Sewell taking a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer. All New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude, and we wish her the best as she embarks on the next chapter.”

 

The shock announcement of the resignation of Sewell was made on June 12, reportedly amid tensions with the mayor over disciplining NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.

For his part, Caban paid tribute to Sewell on her last day, writing, “At today’s promotion ceremony, we paid tribute to our beloved Commissioner, Keechant Sewell on her last day with the NYPD. A trailblazer & inspiring leader, her honorable service will forever hold a special place in the storied history of the NYPD. Thank you & best wishes!”

 

According to the NYPD, Caban began his career with the NYPD as a police officer in 1991, patrolling the streets of the South Bronx. He began climbing the NYPD ranks in 1994 with a promotion to sergeant. After several supervisory assignments in the Bronx and northern Manhattan, he was promoted to lieutenant in 1999.

 

Caban entered the executive ranks in 2005 with a promotion to captain. He served as the executive officer of the 23rd Precinct in East Harlem before being chosen to lead the 25th Precinct as its commanding officer in 2006. He was promoted to deputy inspector in 2008. He later served as the adjutant of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, where he oversaw many programs and was promoted to inspector in 2015.

 

Up until his most recent promotion as interim police commissioner, in his role as the second-in-command of the NYPD, Caban lead a broad range of agency functions according to the strategic vision of the police commissioner, including policy development, personnel management, recruit and in-service training, and overall supervision of the entire discipline system.

 

Caban holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from St. John’s University. He and his wife Leidy, have one son, Edward, and one daughter, Ava. Caban’s father, Juan, was an NYC transit police detective who also served as the president of the Transit Police Hispanic Society.

 

If the appointment of Caban becomes a permanent one, it may allay some previous concerns among the Hispanic community that senior Hispanic NYPD personnel are being overlooked for promotion. Former Chief of Transportation Nilda Izarry Hofmann retired and former Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo resigned in 2020, as reported by Norwood News at the time.

 

Meanwhile, District 13 City Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez, who has declared victory in the recent District 13 Democratic primary election held June 27, following a recent endorsement by the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), reacted to the news, writing, “Congratulations to Edward A. Caban on his promotion to Interim-New York City Police Department Commissioner!”

 

The councilwoman said The Bronx was proud to have Caban represent the community in what she described as the prestigious role. “After 30 years of service in the NYPD, you have a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable in this new position. I am confident that you will continue to lead our law enforcement officers with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”

At today’s promotion ceremony, we paid tribute to our beloved Commissioner, Keechant Sewell on her last day with the NYPD. A trailblazer & inspiring leader, her honorable service will forever hold a special place in the storied history of the NYPD. Thank you & best wishes! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/gI026hhuNW

— Edward A. Caban (@NYPDFIRSTDEP) June 30, 2023

 

Velázquez continued, “I would also like to thank Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell for her leadership and commitment to the people of New York City. As the first female to lead the NYPD, you shattered glass ceilings not only for women, but for women of color. You are a driving force and an inspiration to us all.”

 

Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wrote in part of Caban’s appointment and Sewell’s departure, “You’re the right person for this job now and into the future! Thank you @nypdsewell for your service!”

 

Meanwhile, former Bronx Community Board 7 district manager and current Bronx County Clerk Ischia Bravo wrote, “Congratulations to our friend, Eddie Caban, on his historic appointment as the first Latino PC. Si se puede! [Yes, we can!]”