Man tapped to head BPD training to retire

In a special press conference Friday evening, officials with the Baltimore Police Department announced the man selected to head training after an incident during which a trainee was shot will soon retire.

Major Joseph Smith has been offered a new job opportunity, and he will officially retire in May. Smith had previously served as Internal Affairs Commander, Police Academy Commander and a firearms training instructor.

At a press conference earlier this week, BPD Commissioner Anthony Batts described the incident involving the trainee and the criminal investigation of officers involved as a "major breakdown." He admitted there would be plenty of pressure on Smith to ensure safety during training, follow protocol and develop new procedures.

In response, to the news about Smith, Lt. Col Ross Buzzuro has been named the new Director of Education and Training. Previously, Lt. Col Buzzuro was the head of special enforcement tangent  focused on gang and gun operations.

Check back with ABC2 News as we continue to develop this story.