Gary health commissioner introduced

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Dr. Roland Walker, new health commissioner for the city of Gary. | Provided Photo~Sun-Times Media ptmet

Updated: February 28, 2012 8:16AM

GARY — During a swearing-in ceremony at the Public Safety Facility on Thursday, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson introduced Dr. Roland Walker as health commissioner.

Walker, a pediatrician who graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1989 as the class salutatorian, along with Public Safety Director Richard Ligon and police Chief Wade Ingram, are components of the city’s public safety team, the mayor said.

The health department “is not just about immunization,” she said. “Violence is a public safety issue and health issue.”

Freeman-Wilson swore Ingram in as chief last week, quietly and unannounced, then decided to repeat the act in a more public, formal setting.

The community room overflowed with politicians, community leaders and representatives from federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies.

Walker told the crowd he “looked forward to working with everyone for the common health and good of the city of Gary.”

Walker has an “exploratory committee” advertised on a website seeking donations and feedback regarding his possible candidacy for Congress.

City communications director Chelsea Whittington said Walker would not pursue political office while working for the city.

Reach Lori Caldwell at 648-3258