Rumors about Chell’s departure have swirled since summer season 2024, however he stayed on as chief of patrol when Jessica Tisch took over as police commissioner final 12 months within the wake of her predecessor, Edward Caban, resigning after being ensnared in a federal corruption investigation.
However two sources conversant in the matter mentioned Chell is now finalizing his retirement plans. The sources mentioned he plans to hunt a incapacity pension that would supply him with a tax-free, lifetime profit equal to 75% of his wage. He’s making use of for the incapacity pension due to an ankle harm he sustained on Randalls Island whereas on obligation final 12 months, the sources mentioned.
Chell was as of final fiscal 12 months pulling in a $276,000 annual wage.
Chell didn’t instantly return a request for remark Monday. Spokespeople for the NYPD and Mayor Adams’ workplace didn’t instantly reply to messages, both.
A supply confirmed Chell is predicted to go on conservative discuss radio host Sid Rosenberg’s morning present Wednesday to debate his plans for the longer term.
Chell’s exit comes on the heels of Adams ditching his bid for reelection after dealing with stress for weeks from President Trump’s group and others to drop out to assist clear the sector in opposition to Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani, who has a historical past of being crucial of the NYPD.
For months, Chell has been eyeing retirement, however a supply near him mentioned he needed to attend to tug the set off till the state of affairs turned clearer round Adams, whose reelection run was thought of a protracted shot amid continued fallout from his corruption indictment and ties to Trump.
Chell, who has landed in scorching water for his personal ties to Trump, joined the NYPD on Feb. 28, 1994 and rose to the company’s highest uniformed put up on Jan. 1, along with his promotion ceremony going down on New Yr’s Eve in Instances Sq.. When Jeffrey Maddrey stop as chief of division whereas below investigation for a spread of misconduct, together with exchanging additional time for intercourse with a subordinate, Tisch promoted Chell to the highest uniformed spot.
NYPD Chief of Division John Chell speaks to the press throughout a public security announcement within the Joint Operations Middle of 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan, New York. (Shawn Inglima for New York Every day Information)
Chell was instrumental in making a particular unit which centered on auto-related crimes, although a sequence of deadly pursuits, prompted Tisch earlier this 12 months to order coverage modifications.
This previous summer season, Chell and Kaz Daughtry, Adams’ prime public security deputy at Metropolis Corridor, golfed with Trump on the president’s membership in New Jersey and posed for photographs with him, flashing thumbs up.
