PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Sirott informed city leaders Friday that he plans to retire amid criticism of his decision to resume officiating college basketball games.
The chief informed the city that his retirement is effective Nov. 1. Sirotto was hired as city chief in May 2023. Assistant Chief Chris Ragland will become Acting Chief.
Sirott’s announcement comes after he faced harsh criticism over his decision to continue officiating college basketball games. He said he was prepared to resign and even offered to take a pay cut if the city did not allow him to return as an umpire, a move that drew criticism from the police union and some city leaders.
Sirott could have officiated an estimated 60 games a year, raising concerns that his attention would be divided and he could leave town in a major crisis. The city intended to promote Mr. Ragland to deputy chief to take the reins.
When Sirotto accepted the Chiefs job in 2023, it was reported that he would no longer officiate games. Mayor Ed Gainey said there was a mutual understanding between the two parties.
Mayor Gainey said Friday, “If there was a murder and we wanted to do this program to take kids to different activities as part of their remorse, we could talk about it and we did.” spoke.
Chief Sirott announced his retirement in a letter obtained by KDKA-TV on Friday.
“I have informed Mayor Gainey and Chief Schmidt of my intention to retire as Police Chief effective November 1,” the letter said. “After 25 years of dedicated service to the Department, this decision is rooted in pride, duty, and a deep commitment to our organization and the communities we serve. “This decision was made solely by me in the best interest of our employees.” “
Less than 12 hours after announcing his retirement, Sirott was in Iowa to officiate an exhibition college basketball game between the Hawkeyes and Minnesota-Duluth.
Larry Sirotto’s retirement surprised Pittsburgh leaders
Pittsburgh City Council President Daniel Lovell didn’t know about the decision until Friday morning. By mid-morning, the news was out.
“I discovered that when I walked into this event here,” Lovell said.
City leaders said they believe they can work with Sirotto, who has started officiating college basketball again in recent weeks.
“He did it. We thought we could do something,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.
Some members of the Pittsburgh City Council felt that officiating basketball games on the side wasn’t going to happen.
“This news is truly disappointing. Depending on how things played out, it could have been a much different scenario,” City Councilor Bobby Wilson said Friday.
If interim Chief Ragland is selected as the next permanent police chief, I am confident that he will become the chief. The timing of when the city plans to hire new personnel has not been determined.
“I know Secretary Ragland well, and I certainly think he can take the job, and whether it’s a permanent post or not, we need to do a search. We need to determine if there is,” Lovell said.
