Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas swore in the city's first commissioner of public safety and fire, as well as 13 new recruits during a ceremony Friday morning.
For the first time in the city's history, the police, fire and emergency services have been consolidated into one department headed by Bob Kelly.
"We're looking to improve the service, create more efficiencies, create a benefit for our residents who demand better service," says Kelly.
Kelly is a retired captain in the Mount Vernon Police Department. He most recently worked in the district attorney's office, where he created the county's intelligence center.
The mayor says he has the right ideas and experience to help turn the city around.
The recruits will be heading to the police academy and will be on the streets in May.