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City officials met with Bell on Tuesday afternoon and confirmed that Bell has been fired.
Police Chief John Roland will run the police department until Mayor Ernie Davis appoints a new police commissioner.
Davis did not immediately comment on what led to the firing.
Councilman Richard Thomas credited Bell with his efforts to improve resident safety, which were reflected in greater accountability and programs to foster relationships with the community.
"In turning to the future, I look forward to the city continuing some of Mr. Bell's best practices and supporting the administration in recruiting a top brass professional who will apply more science based safety tactics to create a more secure and safe Mt. Vernon," Thomas said.
Bell has been police commissioner in Mount Vernon since 2010. Prior to becoming police commissioner, Bell worked for the federal government in the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) since 1990.
Bell was promoted in 2003 to group supervisor of the DEA Mobile Enforcement team, where he helped target violent narcotics organizations. In 2004, Bell, along with his team of agents, led to the dismantling of a violent drug organization in Mount Vernon.
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