Neil Reynolds is now in charge of the New Rochelle Police Department.
The police commissioner was officially sworn into his new role at a ceremony at City Hall on Monday.
"It's a big job, but I think I am capable. I have big steps to fill with the retired Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola. I learned a lot from him," Reynolds said.
City officials said Reynolds has worked for the department for over 30 years.
He has served as the deputy police commissioner and is licensed to practice state and federal law.
Reynolds is the first Black person to lead the department.
"Black people don't want a Black police commissioner because they're gonna get more trust, Black people want like anybody else wants—-a good police commissioner," Reynolds said.
Reynolds was sworn-in just days before the second anniversary of the police-involved shooting that killed a Black man named Jarrel Garris.
Supporter Durette Tyler said Reynolds' promotion might signal a new era for policing in the city.
"It shows that the town is making some progress in terms of inclusion and it's a foreshadowing of things to come," Tyler said.
As he gets used to his new responsibilities, Reynolds' son, Stavros, said he will be his side to support him.
"He set a really strong example that we can follow with integrity, with his work ethic and we are just so proud of what he's been able to accomplish," Stavros said.
Reynolds also laid out his top priorities.
"To continue the way we've been going with our community engagement efforts, with our being transparent, with just coming in every day and giving a good day's and night's work," Reynolds said.
