Mayor Scanlon Appoints Alphonso Wright as Acting Police Commissioner

"Earlier today, I met with Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia and informed him that I will be taking the department in a different direction. As a result, Commissioner Gramaglia has resigned from his position, effective immediately, and will return to the rank of captain. I want to thank Joe for his more than 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Police Department."

“As part of my new leadership plan, I am naming Alphonso (Al) Wright as the Acting Police Commissioner, effective immediately. I will also be submitting his name to the Common Council for my nomination to become the permanent Buffalo Police Commissioner.”

“Commissioner Wright’s experience, comprehensive knowledge of the department’s operations, and strong rapport with the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department make him the right choice to lead the department into this new chapter for the City of Buffalo."

"Acting Police Commissioner Wright began his career with the Buffalo Police Department in 1987. Over the course of his 37-year tenure, he has served in various leadership roles, including Chief of Detectives, before being appointed as the First Deputy Police Commissioner of Operations. His long-standing commitment to public safety, operational excellence, and community engagement will be invaluable as he leads the department forward.”