STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison, 54, a law enforcement official with ties to Staten Island, is stepping down from his position, according to multiple reports.
The unanticipated resignation was announced in a departmental email on Thursday.
The New York Post obtained contents of the memo, which read:
“Serving as the Suffolk County Police commissioner for the past two years was not only a privilege but one of the greatest highlights of my law enforcement career and that is because of you.”
“It has been an honor to be part of this organization and work with so many talented individuals,” Harrison’s memo read. “Each day, I have been impressed by stories of heroism, bravery, and dedication to the residents of this county. To say I appreciate and admire each one of you, is an understatement.”
Harrison, the former NYPD chief of department, took on the role of police commissioner in Suffolk County in January of 2022. He was the county’s first Black police commissioner, and would go on to dedicate a special joint task force committed to catching the individual responsible for the Gilgo Beach homicides. As a result of these efforts, the task force was able to apprehend a suspect in connection with the serial killings.
His last official day will come sometime in December. Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Robert Waring will be ensuring the operation of regular duties of the department going forward.
“I’m going to be utilizing my time. I won’t be around, but I’ll still be in a position when and if people need to ask my opinion on something,” Harrison explained to Eyewitness News. “The leadership, the people that run the day-to-day operations of the department will be overseen by Rob Waring.”
A LEGACY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Harrison joined the NYPD in 1992, holding senior ranks such executive officer for Staten Island, chief of patrol, and chief of detectives.
In 2019, Harrison became the first African…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply