Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner has been hired to the same position in Syracuse, N.Y., according to the Syracuse mayor's office.
Buckner was hired after an eight-month search and will be introduced to his new staff and the community Friday morning, Mayor Ben Walsh said in a news release. He was announced as one of three finalists for the position Oct. 25.
“Chief Buckner brings effective crime reduction strategies and a track record for increasing the diversity of his force," Walsh said. "He understands the importance of having strong partnerships with law enforcement and the community to make our neighborhoods safer. Syracuse has an outstanding police department. I believe Chief Buckner will make it even better.”
Buckner has been the police chief in Little Rock since June 2014. Previously, he worked for 21 years at the Louisville Metro Police Department in Louisville, Ky.
In a letter to the community Friday, Buckner thanked the people of Little Rock and said the city has made significant progress toward reducing crime. His last day in Arkansas will be Nov. 16.
As of October, the department has reduced overall crime by 10 percent, violent crime by 14 percent and aggravated assaults by 14 percent, the letter states. The homicide rate has also dropped 38 percent, he wrote.
"I will continue to pray for this great city," he said. "Please continue to support your police department as it begins the next chapter in the city's rich history."
Check back with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for updates, and read Saturday's newspaper for full details.