City Of White Plains Officially Has A New Public Safety Commissioner

Press release from the City of White Plains:

White Plains Mayor Justin C. Brasch has appointed Wade Hardy as the City’s Public Safety Commissioner. The Common Council confirmed the appointment at its January 5, 2026 meeting.

As Public Safety Commissioner, Mr. Hardy will lead the overall operations of the City’s police, fire, EMS and 911 services.

Mayor Brasch said, “Wade Hardy brings 39 years of experience in law enforcement and corporate security leadership and management to the job, including 22 years with the White Plains Police Department. We are thrilled to have him on board and know that under his leadership, the already strong Public Safety Department will continue to excel and be best in class not only in Westchester, but in New York State and the nation.”

During his previous tenure in White Plains, Commissioner Hardy led the Narcotics Unit, Anti-Crime Unit, Community Services Division, and oversaw various investigations in the Detective Bureau. He was also a leader on the special response team. While leading the Community Services Division, he advanced initiatives to improve conditions in public housing, foster better relationships with at-risk youth, and regularly met with neighborhood associations, community organizations, local clergy, and the White Plains Central Business District. He also spearheaded initiatives to combat regional retail crime. One of his career highlights was uncovering evidence that led to the location and apprehension of a man hiding in an apartment in White Plains who was wanted for the murder of a Norfolk, Virginia, Police Officer. Throughout this broad swath of experience he has consistently sought to build bridges between the police department and the community, which has shaped his approach to policing.

This press release was produced by the City of White Plains. The views expressed here are the author’s own.