According to a press release, “Public safety is a top priority for Governor-Elect Shapiro, and these public safety professionals will work with law enforcement, first responders, and local communities to ensure there is real accountability for those who break the law, implement smart criminal justice reforms, work to make our communities safer, and prepare and respond for emergencies.”
“As Attorney General, I worked with first responders and fellow law enforcement leaders every day to make our communities safer – and Laurel Harry, Randy Padfield, Mark Schindler, Tom Cook, and Christopher Paris are exemplary public servants who have put their health and safety on the line to serve to our Commonwealth,” said Shapiro.
“Pennsylvanians deserve to both be safe and feel safe in their communities, and these experienced leaders will help us address critical shortages among frontline workers and ensure our police officers, firefighters, service members, and veterans have the support they deserve. Working together, we will ensure the Commonwealth is prepared to respond to emergencies and continue the work to protect Pennsylvanians and make our communities safer.”
Harry has been serving as the Acting Western Region Deputy Secretary since July 10, 2022 and has 24 years of Commonwealth experience in the Department of Corrections.
“With over two decades of Commonwealth experience in the Department of Corrections – from managing staff and inmates to overseeing drug and alcohol treatment programs – I know we can address the root causes of crime in Pennsylvania while making our communities safer,” said Harry, the first woman to be appointed as Secretary of Corrections.
