Thank you Chief Cerone, welcome Chief Pignatelli
Yesterday, I had the great honor to swear in our new Police Chief, Francis Pignatelli (watch). Interestingly, Chief Pignatelli was the first police officer I appointed as mayor, almost ten years ago. In that decade, the new chief has distinguished himself as thoughtful, dedicated and a true leader. I have every confidence that he will be a great chief for decades to come. I congratulate Frank as well as his wife Angela, his son Nicolas and his daughter Natalie and thank them for sharing so much of Frank’s time with the Village of Irvington. At the Village Board of Trustees meeting tonight, we will formally appoint Frank as Chief, thus making it official.
Chief Pignatelli could only be appointed because of the retirement of Chief Michael Cerone. Chief Cerone retires after a distinguished 45-year law enforcement career (43 in Irvington) as well as service in United States Navy. I thank Mike for his dedicated service and for always being a great partner to me during Irvington’s darkest day. I can only imagine the time away from family and friends during holidays and other special occasions in a 45-year career, a career I know Mike loved. I wish him the best for a long and healthy retirement.
Police awards
As part of the swearing in ceremony yesterday, Chief Cerone also presented the following awards to Irvington Police Officers:
Medal for Valor: Sgt. Francis Pignatelli for rescuing a fellow officer while under direct fire of an armed suspect wanted for murder while assigned to the Greenburgh Town Wide SWAT team in the Village of Ardsley.
Commendation Medal: Det/Sgt Kevin Johnson, Det. Jean Marc Grolier for locating an armed murder suspect from Connecticut and safely evacuating civilians from the area while serving with the Greenburgh Task Force.
Meritorious Police Duty Medal: PO Jon Nyarady, PO Scott Dunleavy and PO Justin Muscarella (of the Dobbs Ferry Police Department) for demonstrating brave and intelligent police service while apprehending an armed home invasion suspect.
Police Survey still open
As I emailed earlier this week, a group of dedicated citizens, Irvington Police Department members, and public officials have been collaborating with the goal of reimagining the Irvington Police Department to ensure it is meeting the needs of the Irvington community for the 21st Century and beyond. A crucial part of that process is to seeking feedback from the Irvington community, along with those who visit and work in Irvington.
The survey is still open and I hope you will take the ten minutes to complete it: https://tiny.cc/irvpolice
Be well,
Brian C. Smith, Mayor
Village of Irvington, NY
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov