Kerr Putney sworn in as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief

Kerr Putney took the oath of office Monday morning, becoming chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department – the first to rise through the ranks to head the department.

Putney said he’s been humbled by the outpouring of support.

“To my CMPD family, I love you,” he said in his remarks after the ceremony.

Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee last month announced Putney, a 23-year-veteran, as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s next chief.

Putney is the longest-serving of CMPD’s five deputy chiefs and has risen quickly through the department’s ranks. He replaces Rodney Monroe, who announced his retirement in mid-May.

Putney will face the immediate challenge of guiding the department, and the city, through what’s expected to be an emotional trial of an officer accused of killing an unarmed black man.

The city is bracing itself for the July 20 trial of Randall Kerrick, a white officer accused of killing Jonathan Ferrell. The hearing will bring the nation’s attention to Charlotte and put the police department’s training and policies under a microscope.

Putney said as CMPD’s head, he would strive to be a “servant-leader.”

“It’s humbling to have so many people depend on you to lead CMPD,” he told reporters after taking the oath. “It’s a huge responsibility. I’m not going to take it lightly.”

This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 7:04 AM with the headline "Kerr Putney sworn in as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief."