Dec. 11, 2001 – The swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Mavis Matthew as Health commissioner, Novell Francis Jr. as Police chief and Angel Santos as deputy chief for St. Croix is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Government House in Christiansted.
Matthew has directed the Maternal and Child Health and Children with Special Health Care Needs programs since 1991, has been assistant Health commissioner since 1999 and served as acting commissioner for much of this year. A pediatrician, she received her M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine and a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University.
Francis, who has been serving as deputy police chief for St. Croix, is a former supervisor of detectives in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, supervisor and commander of the Youth Investigation Bureau and special assistant to former Police Commissioner Ramon Davila. He graduated from Central High School and attended John Jay College.
Santos, who holds the rank of lieutenant, is a 28-year veteran of the Police Department. He has received numerous citations during his career, including the Combat Cross, an award also bestowed on Francis.
Matthew was confirmed by the Legislature last month to become Health commissioner. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull fired Police Chief Jose Garcia two weeks ago and named Francis to succeed him; the governor also named Santos to succeed Francis.
