Finalist for NYPD police commissioner job last year will retire in October, officials say

The NYPD's second-in-command is retiring next month, a police spokesman confirmed Monday.

First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro, a 44-year department veteran who was a top contender for the police commissioner post last year following the election of Mayor Bill de Blasio, is retiring effective Oct. 31, an NYPD spokesman said.

Pineiro could not be reached for comment.

Pineiro, the NYPD's highest-ranking Hispanic, was one of three applicants that de Blasio interviewed for the top job last year. Police Commissioner William Bratton was ultimately chosen.

Pineiro was appointed to the NYPD in June 1970, graduating at the top of his academy class, according to his official NYPD bio. He began his patrol career in the 88th Precinct in Brooklyn and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming chief of personnel in 2002, according to his the bio. Among other assignments, he worked in the Tactical Patrol Force, Legal Division, Recruitment and Retention Unit, and was commanding officer of the 41st Precinct in the Bronx.

Pineiro has a law degree from Brooklyn Law School, a master's degree from New York University and a bachelor's degree from New York Institute of Technology.