NY port authority promotes police commanders, sets counterterrorism role

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) promoted two members of its police staff to leadership roles and created the authority's first ever assistant chief for counterterrorism initiatives.

Inspector Raymond Bryan was named the agency's deputy chief, responsible for overseeing ground transportation commands that include the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH) rail lines, as well as PANYNJ's tunnels, bridges and terminals. He currently heads the World Trade Center Command.

Bryan joined the port's police force in 1993.

PANYNJ appointed Captain Ronald Shindel to deputy inspector to take over Bryan's post at the World Trade Center Command. He previously oversaw the George Washington Bridge command, and has 35 years of experience in law enforcement and security operations.

Steven Rotolo, PANYNJ's assistant chief, was tapped to serve as the port's first assistant chief of counterterrorism. He has served the port for the past 17 years.

"Given the high profile of all of our facilities, it's critical that we provide exceptional leadership for our 1,900-member police force," said PANYNJ Chief Security Officer Tom Belfore in a statement. "I'm confident that these commanders and the others we have in place will provide the oversight we need for one of the leading police forces in the country."