Bedford's Padilla Is Westchester County's First Hispanic Police Chief

BEDFORD, N.Y. -- The Bedford Police Department made history by appointing Melvin Padilla as the new police chief. He will become the first person of hispanic descent to hold the position in Westchester County, according to FiOS1 News.

Melvin Padilla of the Bedford Police Department is the first hispanic police chief in Westchester County.
Photo Credit: *Bedford Police*

Joe Jenkins

12/29/2014 10:00 a.m.

Padilla takes on his role at a time when relations between some minority communities and police officers is strained. Padilla admitted that the current climate can complicate matters, but told FiOS1 the Bedford department hasn't experienced the kind of strain seen in areas like New York City.

Padilla is a U.S. Navy veteran who began his police career in 2000 with the New York City Police Department and has worked with Bedford since January 2002. In 2009, Padilla was promoted to sergeant and again to Lieutenant in 2013.

Padilla also attended the FBI National Academy in 2012, a 10-week advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.

Click here to watch Padilla's full interview with FiOS1.

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