Gary native Larry McKinley named new police chief

GARY, Ind.. (WLS) -- A 15-year veteran of the Gary Police force has been appointed the city's new police chief by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Gary native Larry McKinley was most recently the Deputy Chief.

"Chief McKinley has the temperament, vision, intellect and integrity to lead this department," said Freeman-Wilson.

McKinley selected retired Gary Police Captain Tom Papadakis to serve as Deputy Chief. Papadakis is also a Gary native and served on the Gary Police Department for 34 years in a various roles until his retirement in 2011.

"It is my honor to lead the outstanding men and women of the Gary Police Department," said McKinley. "I came up through the ranks, and I understand their passion for the job and the many challenges that come with it. Tom Papadakis will make an excellent addition to our leadership team, and we are glad to have him come out of retirement to accept the role of Deputy Chief."

Chief McKinley has already begun his first assignment, which is to submit a plan to the mayor that addresses officer compensation, getting more officers on the street, the use of technology in crime prevention, new equipment, training of incoming officers and any other measures that will prove effective as policing measures.

The department is also in its final phases of hiring 14 new officers.