The NYPD’s second-highest ranking member, Edward Caban, is dancing around the question of whether he is interested in succeeding Commissioner Keechant Sewell in the wake of her shock resignation this week.
Caban, who currently serves as the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner, has already widely been tapped as one of Mayor Eric Adams’ favored candidates to lead the nation’s largest police force.
But asked by Politico on Thursday if he wanted to put his hand up to become the next top cop, Caban only responded: “One commissioner at a time.”
It is still unclear who will replace Sewell after she abruptly announced Monday she’ll be stepping down from the role at the end of the month.
While Adams has remained tight-lipped, speculation has been rife as to who he will pick next.
Caban is among those rumored to be on the short-list to take over the reins of the department, according to law-enforcement sources.
The former inspector — who sources say is notably close with Hizzoner — has been with the NYPD for more than three decades and has served as the top cop’s deputy since Adams took office in January 2022.
Among the other names being floated is Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks, who is one of the mayor’s allies and longtime friends.
The department’s highest-ranking police officer, Jeffrey Maddrey, has also been floated as a possibility, sources said.
Sewell’s decision to step down after 18-months on the job was said to have blindsided City Hall, according to sources.
While she didn’t provide a reason for her sudden departure, sources said the commish was pushed to her “breaking point” amid a power struggle with City Hall over how to run the force.
Sewell found it difficult to have any say over the department, the sources said, because of the number of ex-NYPD cops — including the mayor himself — within the Adams administration.
Despite the claims, Sewell and Adams put on a united front and even shared a hug at a Juneteenth event at Gracie Mansion on Thursday.
In their first joint public appearance since the resignation came to light, Adams gave Sewell a glowing welcome and asked those in attendance to give her “some love” as she approached the stage.
“I absolutely cannot thank the mayor enough for giving me this extraordinary opportunity to come to this community, to come to the NYPD, to meet all of you and to be your police commissioner,” Sewell told the crowd.
“This has been the honor of my lifetime to work with all of these amazing people,” she added, turning to those on stage behind her. “And thank you so much for being a part of my life. I will miss you all.”