frank-adderley_web.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE _ Frank Adderley will become the first black police chief in Fort Lauderdale’s history, the city announced today.

“This is to inform you that today I will announce Assistant Chief Frank Adderley's promotion to Chief of Police,” City Manager George Gretsas in an internal email to commissioners today.

Adderley, 46, a native of Fort Lauderdale, was born and raised in northwest Fort Lauderdale. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

 The position became available after Chief Bruce Roberts submitted his resignation Wednesday over tensions between himself and Gretsas.

 “This is my last day, but technically I’m on the clock until 5 p.m. today,” Roberts told the South Florida Times when leaving city hall today.

 Adderley is well respected, and word of his promotion was met with kind words from Mayor Jim Naugle.

 “I’m  pleased with the manager’s selection and I’m hopeful that management and labor can sit down and move the city forward.” Naugle said. “I’m very fond of chief Roberts, and the city manager, but I think a lot of Frank and trust he will be able to move the city forward.”

 EJones@SFLTimes.com