Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson has cancer.
Gipson made the announcement to reporters at a news conference on Franklin Street on Monday.
He has requested a medical leave of absence. That request has been granted by Mayor Byron Brown.
The Commissioner said he was formally diagnosed with prostate cancer on July 29th, although, he added, there were warning signs as far back as April.
“I have started a treatment protocol. The prognosis is very good. I am hopeful that ultimately, in the end, that I will be cured of this cancer,” said Gipson.
The Mayor has named one of Gipson’s deputy Commissioners, Byron Lockwood, to succeed him temporarily.
In a brief written statement, the Mayor said Commissioner Gipson and his family have his complete support and prayers for his swift recovery.
