Mayor Rahm Emanuel has tapped the shoulder of a 34-year-veteran of the Chicago Police Department to clean up the streets of Chicago.
Charles Williams is Emanuel's pick for Commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation to replace Tom Byrne, who currently holds the position, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Saturday.
“Charles admirably served the Police Department in a variety of roles, earning many accolades as he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Superintendent," Emanuel stated in the release. "I am confident that his experiences will serve him well in his new position.”
Byrne, who is leaving the department to be director of park services, safety and security for the Chicago Park District, will help with Williams' transition, the release said.
Before Williams can start serving, he must be approved by the City Council. But he's already envisioning what he will bring to the position.
“Upon my confirmation by City Council, I will continue the many efforts started by Commissioner Byrne, including adopting the grid system for garbage and expanding recycling throughout Chicago," Williams stated in the release.
Williams managed personnel throughout Chicago and oversaw patrol operations as deputy superintendent for the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Patrol. He was previously national security director for Merchandise Mart Properties and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
