WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. February 11, 2008: John M. Cullen was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety today, filling the shoes of Dr. Charles Jennings who retired from the department last month. Cullen is the son of former White Plains Fire Chief, John Cullen, and whose Great Grandfather was the first White Plains Police Chief. Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub said  Cullen was instrumental in leading the development of the Fire Bureau's Special Operations, and training procedures.

John M. Cullen is sworn in today  by Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub, as Mayor Joseph Delfino looks on and Mr. Cullen's father, a former Fire Chief of White Plains observes.

Deputy Commissioner Cullen, second from right stands with new Lieutenant Steven Glover, second from and new Deputy Fire Chief Donald Keinz, who were also sworn to their new posts today. Mayor Joseph Delfino, left,  congratulates the trio.

Commissioner Cullen told WPCNR that as Deputy Commissioner, he wanted to "open up clear lines of communication in all ranks of the fire department from the lowliest new recruit to the Chief." He said he wanted to enhance department training and technical development. Asked if he felt the Fire Bureau perhaps would increase staff, he said he would have to consider the costs in any consideration of expanding the department. He said he looked forward to bring on two new pieces of technical equipment.

Commissioner Straub praised Lietenant Steven Glover as a tireless recruiter of minorities for the department  and for his work with the Vulcans, the black firefighters organization. He singled out Lieutenant Keinz for his reputation and efforts in developin training procedures in the Fire Bureau, and praised him for the respect within which he is held by firefighting organizations in the county.