CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has announced sweeping changes to its leadership team in the Department of Public Safety.
Karrie Howard has resigned as the city's director of public safety effective immediately, according to a press release from the city on Friday morning.
To replace Howard, the city is appointing Cleveland Division of Police Chief Wayne Drummond to the role of interim public safety director. In Drummond's place, Cleveland Division of Police Deputy Chief Dorothy Todd will be promoted to the permanent role of chief of police.
Howard departs after serving in the position of public safety director since 2020.
"We thank Chief Howard for his service and dedication to the City of Cleveland over the past four years," the city added in its release.
The resignation of Howard comes as Assistant Public Safety Director Jakimah Dye is under an internal investigation following a car crash in a city vehicle on Feb. 17 in Warrensville Heights. The city confirmed to 3News that there were children in Dye's city vehicle at the time of the accident. Dye's driving privileges have been suspended until the investigation is completed.
3News received a copy of Howard's resignation letter to Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.
"After much contemplation and deliberation, I have chosen to resign from this position," Howard wrote. "Serving the City of Cleveland has been a profound honor. I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve."
Following the announcement about the changes in the Department of Public Safety, Cleveland City Council released the following statement about Howard's departure.
"Cleveland City Council thanks Karrie Howard for his years of service to the city of Cleveland. During his tenure with the city, Howard has served as Chief Prosecutor, and most recently as Public Safety Director. As a Marine Corps veteran, JAG Officer in the Air Force Reserves, and public servant, Howard has devoted his life to serving people. Council wishes him well in his future endeavors."
Howard's time at the head of the Department of Public Safety wasn't without its controversies. Last year, the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association (CPPA) overwhelmingly voted yes to a vote of no confidence against Howard after comments he made about the Irish history of the department.
Former CPPA President Jeff Follmer also called for Howard's firing in 2021 after four officers were terminated and another suspended. "Karrie Howard needs to be removed from office," Follmer stated at the time. "It's quite clear in our view he's on a political agenda to only make his resume by our discipline."
Wayne Drummond becomes interim public safety director
Drummond has spent the past 35 years as a member of the Cleveland Division of Police, the last two as its chief. He will now look to fill Howard's spot until a permanent successor is named.
"Drummond has served in the Division of Police for more than 30 years. His leadership and experience will keep the Department running smoothly until we identify Public Safety’s next leader," city officials explained.
Cleveland City Council stated that it is looking forward to working with Drummond in his new role.
“I’ve worked with Interim Safety Director Drummond for more than thirty years and I trust he will continue his work to make Cleveland a safer city," said Ward 8 Councilman and Public Safety Chair Mike Polensek.
What you need to know about Cleveland's new police chief
After nearly 25 years with the Cleveland Division of Police, Dorothy "Annie" Todd will now become its 42nd chief.
"Todd has served in the division for more than 20 years and we are confident that her leadership will set a course for success moving forward," the release stated.
Todd joined the Cleveland Division of Police in 2000. She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2012, and to lieutenant in 2017. In 2019, she was promoted to the rank of commander of the Third District, overseeing many of the City’s vibrant neighborhoods including Downtown, Fairfax, Hough, Central, and Little Italy. Todd became the Cleveland Division of Police's deputy chief in 2022.
She has been the recipient of multiple Cleveland Division of Police awards, including the Medal of Heroism and the Distinguished Service Medal.
“Chief Todd and I have worked collaboratively over the years on many pressing and sensitive safety issues in Cleveland. I look forward to building upon the relationship," said Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Todd is expected to be officially sworn in as the new chief of the Cleveland Division of Police in the coming days.
3News' Dave Chudowsky profiled Todd in 2022 in his Game Changers series.
What others are saying about the promotions
Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Andrew Gasiewski gave the following statement following the resignation of Howard and the promotions of Drummond and Todd to 3News:
"The CPPA is familiar with Interim Chief Safety Director Drummond and Chief Todd. We look forward to working with them in the future."
Also, 3News' Neil Fischer spoke with city of Cleveland spokesman Tyler Sinclair about the promotions on Friday afternoon. "We needed to make a decision quickly and with two extraordinary candidates who have incredible resumes and have dedicated their careers, and quite frankly, their lives to the city of Cleveland -- the choices were obvious," Sinclair said.
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