By Dan Murphy
A packed crowd of supporters of acting Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller attended the City Council meeting last week. Those supporters included his fellow police officers who have grown to know and respect Mueller over his 25-year career with YPD, as well as many Yonkers residents of all walks of life who came out to lend their support for Mueller to become the next police commissioner, succeeding Charles Gardner.
Some of comments of support included, from resident Rob Hothan, “After knowing Mueller for 10 years, he has an unusual dedication to community policing and we are very fortunate to see his promotion.”
Yonkers resident and Charter School Superintendent Cindy Lopez, added: “When John is volunteering it comes from the heart. He is part of the community and always happy and working. He finds time to make personal connections. The community loves and appreciates him and has our trust and respect He is always willing to listen and to try and find solutions.”
Yonkers resident and President of HRCA said: “It is my honor to know John Mueller for many years since he was captain of the Fourth Precinct. He was loved by all and is an unusual man. My area is not the easiest, but he brought us all together and he told it like it was. He was honest with us and we solved problems together. He did anything that was asked of him, and we respect him highly.”
Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson said Mueller has all of the positive attributes of a successful leader. “John has the vision, he thinks out of the box, he is motivated and preaches but practices being a servant all of the time,” said Olson. “He has empathy, and creativity, and has the courage to stand by.”
Olson also addressed the whispering campaign made against Mueller. “Sadly, in this era of internet blogging, too many critics hide behind their keyboard and make baseless accusations,” he said. “Where are these people tonight?”
All councilmembers commented on Mueller’s appointment.
“I found him to be an excellent choice and tonight’s unanimous consent from the audience should clinch it,” said Council Minority Leader Mike Breen.
Councilwoman Shanae Williams added: “My constituents had concerns but you answered them well. You care about the community and you have been a leader in all of your positions. I look forward to working with you.”
Councilman John Rubbo said: “Respect is earned and by the look at this crowd in attendance, you have earned their respect. Your commitment to Yonkers is unparalleled, dating from when the pope came to St. Joseph’s Seminary and how well you organized that visit. You live and breathe good police work and the City of Yonkers is lucky to have you.”
Majority Leader Michael Sabatino added: “You area always involved, always available, and you know exactly what you are doing and talking about.”
Councilman Anthony Merante said: “The way in which you answered our questions during the council interview showed you to be prepared and knowledgeable. The police department has been the one thing in your professional life and you have earned this position.”
Councilwoman Corzaon Pineda- Isaac added: “I am so grateful for the dialogue and conversation I have had with you and the intellect and passion you bring to the community. I am excited to see what kind of changes and personal touch you will bring.”
Council President Mike Khader said: “Tonight I will be abstaining for professional reasons, but, John, you have unanimous council support and I wish you success because if you succeed, the residents of Yonkers succeed.”
The vote for Commissioner Mueller was 6-0-1.
Mueller was appointed over the summer by Mayor Mike Spano. He served as deputy police chief after serving the Yonkers Police Department for 25 years and holding various leadership positions including most recently as commanding officer of the Investigative Services Bureau, which is responsible for investigative activities within YPD.
“Chief Mueller has been a shining star in our police department for decades,” said Spano. “John has risen amongst the ranks with honor, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge, training and dedication to the men and women of our police force. We look forward to working with him and continuing to keep our residents safe.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be asked by Mayor Mike Spano to serve as Yonkers police commissioner,” said Mueller. “I am extremely proud of the many accomplishments this administration has achieved in moving Yonkers forward. To serve as police commissioner has been a lifelong dream of mine and I pledge to serve our residents with valor and respect. I am excited to continue the great work of Commissioner Gardner and look forward to working hand-in-hand with all the dedicated members of our department.”
Prior to his appointment to chief of the Investigative Services Bureau, Muller served in the capacities of deputy chief of the Support Services Bureau, commanding officer of the Fourth Precinct, commanding officer of the Intelligence Unit and president of the Yonkers Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association. He is chairman and founder of STRONG, a federally-funded opioid substance abuse prevention program for adolescents; board member of Break the Hold Foundation, which addresses mental health issues for young adults; and is a co-founder of the Yonkers Police Fire Toughman.
Mueller holds a masters and bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum and John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
