Dear Residents:
It has been a little over two years since the Old Brookville Police Department (OBPD) transitioned from a six-village police department to a one-village force exclusively serving the residents of Old Brookville. During this time, the Department experienced four retirements (including one impending disability) and four new hires. Now, with Chief Walsh announcing his retirement effective September 30th, the OBPD will begin a new chapter under the leadership of future Chief of Police Michael Coen.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all Old Brookville residents, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the 35 years of service that Chief Walsh has provided to the OBPD. His experience and his leadership were key in ensuring a smooth transition to a one-village police force as of June 1, 2022. For the past two-plus years, the Chief and I have worked closely to ensure that our officers have the latest technology, a modern fleet and the training necessary for the OBPD to be an effective and efficient police force. Chief Walsh will be missed, but he will not be forgotten and will continue to serve as a part-time consultant to the OBPD.
Looking to the future, the Board of Trustees and I decided several months ago that an internal promotion for Sergeant Michael Coen to become the next Chief of the Department was the best decision for the OBPD and for our community. Sergeant Coen has had prior experience with the New York City Police Department and now, under the direction of Chief Walsh, is being prepared to lead the OBPD as of September 30th. Please join me in wishing Sergeant Coen much success in his new position.
During the past two years, OBPD retirements and subsequent hires have right-sized the Department’s hierarchy to include a Chief, four sergeants and nine officers. This compares to six sergeants and seven officers as of June 2022. Another retirement or two may be forthcoming in the coming months, resulting in the continuing evolvement of the OBPD in becoming a younger force. That said, our Village police will continue to employ an ideal mix of veteran and younger officers to serve the needs of our community. I and the Village trustees look forward to the many years of anticipated service from our new officers.
The enhanced security provided for our Village has come at an increased cost. However, I am pleased to announce that the Village’s $5 million bond used for resurfacing our roads and improving our drainage infrastructure will be completely paid off this month. The Village’s remaining debt will then be at its lowest level in many years.
Thank you as always for your support. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our privilege to volunteer our time for the benefit of the Village of Old Brookville.
Yours truly,
Bernie Ryba
Mayor, Village of Old Brookville
