Raymond Kelly was born on April 4, 1941, in New York City. He grew up in a typical Irish-American household, with a strong sense of family and community. Kelly attended college at Manhattan College, where he studied history and government. After college, Kelly made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War.
After his military service, Kelly decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. He joined the NYPD in 1963 and quickly rose through the ranks. Kelly's leadership skills and dedication to public service were evident early on, and he was soon promoted to various high-ranking positions within the department.
One of Kelly's most notable achievements was his calm and effective response during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. As the Police Commissioner of the NYPD at the time, Kelly led the department with poise and professionalism in the face of a major crisis. His handling of the situation earned him widespread praise and solidified his reputation as a capable and skilled leader.
In addition to his tenure as NYPD Commissioner, Kelly also made history by becoming the first person to hold the position for two non-consecutive terms. His leadership and innovative approach to law enforcement have had a lasting impact on the NYPD and the city of New York as a whole.
In 2014, Kelly was appointed as President of Risk Management Services at Cushman & Wakefield, a prestigious real estate firm. His vast experience in public safety and crisis management made him a valuable asset to the company, where he continued to excel in his new role.
Raymond Kelly was not only a dedicated public servant but also a devoted family man. He had a son, Greg Kelly, who followed in his footsteps and became a well-known news morning co-host.
Throughout his career, Kelly received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding service, including being inducted into the Irish America magazine's Hall of Fame in March of 2012. He has left a lasting legacy in the law enforcement community and is remembered for his unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of New York City.
During his time as NYPD Commissioner, Kelly worked closely with then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to implement various crime-fighting strategies and initiatives. Their partnership was instrumental in reducing crime rates and improving public safety throughout the city.
Raymond Kelly's contributions to law enforcement and public safety have had a lasting impact on the city of New York and beyond. His distinguished career and unwavering dedication to serving his community have earned him a well-deserved place in the annals of law enforcement history.