By Theo Emery, The Associated Press
BOSTON -- Kathleen O’Toole was named Boston’s new police commissioner on Sunday, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino made the announcement at a news conference at city hall Sunday afternoon.
“I know Kathy has the ability to really deal with the issues in our city,” he said. “I have great enthusiasm for this appointment.”
O’Toole takes over from acting commissioner James Hussey, who was criticized for watching the Super Bowl at home last Sunday while fans lit fires and flipped cars during post-game celebrations.
One person, the son of a state police officer, was killed when an allegedly drunken driver plowed through a crowd of revelers.
“I assured (the victim’s family) and I assure you that we’ll investigate that incident to the greatest extent possible,” O’Toole said.
Hussey was appointed on a temporary basis after former commissioner Paul Evans departed in November. O’Toole, 49, previously served as director of the Executive Office of Public Safety.
“This is my dream job,” said O’Toole, who started her law enforcement career with the Boston police in 1976. “I’ll work my very hardest to be the best possible police commissioner.”