Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard swore in the city's interim police commissioner David Gibson Monday in Mount Vernon.

Gibson joined the force about nine months ago after a 30-year career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

He will hold the position as a nationwide search for the city's new commissioner begins. He told News 12 that he would do the best he can to prioritize public safety.

“We're going to lead by integrity and accountability, so everyone's going to keep me accountable and I'm going to keep everyone accountable," he said.

The city also handed out awards to police officers who got guns off the streets, saved lives and made overall outstanding contributions to the department.