The Village of Old Brookville has announced that Sergeant Michael Coen has been named the new Chief of Police, effective September 30, 2024. He succeeds Christopher J. Walsh, who announced that he is retiring after 35 years of service to the department. Continue reading “Chief Walsh Announces Retirement; Sergeant Michael Coen Promoted to Chief of Old Brookville Police Department”
Police Offi cer Robert Alvino retired from the Old Brookville Police Department on February 28, 2023. Unfortunately, Officer Alvino’s career was cut short due to an on-duty auto accident, suffering injuries that precluded him from returning to active duty. During his career, he was not only a decorated active Police Officer, he played a prominent role in the Police Benevolent Association retiring as the PBA president. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Robert attended Ohio Wesleyan University excelling on the men’s lacrosse team and earning his bachelor’s degree in education.
Sgt. Thomas Fellner retired from the Old Brookville Police Department on January 31, 2024. Tom joined the OBPD in 1991 and enjoyed a 31-plus-year career, rising to the rank of Sergeant in 2016. During his career, he earned numerous awards for the department and was assigned as the training Sergeant keeping all the New York State certifications for every officer up to date.
Sgt. Michael Butler retired from the Old Brookville Police Department on July 25, 2024 after a 32-year career with OBPD. Mike was a member of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department prior to joining Old Brookville in 1992. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 2017. During his career, Sgt. Butler earned numerous awards for his actions while on duty.
All three members were integral in the smooth day-to-day operations of the department and their contributions will not be forgotten.
In addition to the two mobile License Plate Readers, and a third on order, the Old Brookville Police Department currently utilizes six fixed LPR cameras that have recently been installed throughout the Village. These cameras were part of a larger New York State $100,000 grant that Old Brookville and surrounding jurisdictions, including Brookville and Muttontown/Upper Brookville, partnered in. These cameras are web-based and read the license plates of vehicles that pass. An officer on patrol is alerted if that plate is suspended, stolen, a suspect in criminal activity, or linked to a missing person. Alerts are received on the laptops in the police car or on a cell phone. Local jurisdictions have the ability to share the alerts and enter the suspect’s plate information into a hot list to advise if a vehicle wanted in connection with burglaries or stolen vehicles enters an area.
If a crime does occur, detectives are able to view the cameras to ascertain if any unknown vehicles were in the area at the time of the occurrence to assist with the investigation and possible apprehension.
Good afternoon everyone – I would like to thank you all for attending this afternoon’s event to commemorate an important milestone for our Village – the ground breaking for our Village Hall expansion and associated renovation project for our existing building.
I also want to express my thanks to our invited guests – County Legislator Josh Lafazan and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino for stopping by. After my remarks, I would like to invite Josh and Joe to say a few words to recognize this important day for the Village of Old Brookville.
Pictured are United States Congressman Tom Suozzi presenting a mock check to Old Brookville Mayor Bernie Ryba representing funds allocated to the Village from the federal American Rescue Plan to offset municipal costs related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Order 203, the Old Brookville Police Department has drafted a police reform and reinvention collaborative. This draft document can be downloaded here and is being presented for public comment following collaborative meetings with community leaders and representatives, it is very important the Village and Police Department receive input on this plan for police reform. Positive change and reform can only be accomplished if our citizens review the plan and provide comments, suggestions and recommendations.
Comments and feedback must be submitted via email to cwalsh@oldbrookvillepd.com or dropped off at Police Headquarters in writing at 5701 Northern Blvd., Upper Brookville, NY 11545 by March 8, 2021.
Click here to view the document.
On Tuesday, June 18th, just one day after Congressman Tom Suozzi’s press conference at the Village of Old Brookville, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the new rules would “require additional internal evaluation” by the agency and that it will meet with stakeholders before any action is taken. This statement was made, despite previous assurances and absolute confirmation from the FAA to Congressman Suozzi that the new rules would go into effect on Monday, June 24th. What follows is a recent Newsday editorial for your review which summarizes the issue and responds to the FAA’s postponement on behalf of all communities on Long Island adversely affected by jet noise.
Click here to view the article
Mayor Bernie Ryba took part in a press conference outside Village Hall on June 17 with other elected officials, including U.S. Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, to address the issue of increased air traffic over the Village of Old Brookville and how the constant noise has negatively impacted the residents’ quality of life. Congressman Fitzpatrick, who is a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, added that it is not just a quality-of-life issue, but one that affects public health and the environment. Continue reading “Mayor Ryba Joins Elected Officials in Calling For Reduction in Air Traffic over the Village”
The Village has been notified by the New York State Department of Transportation that a traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Cedar Swamp Road and Hegeman’s Lane sometime during the summer. As many are aware, this particular intersection is very congested during the morning and evening commute hours from Monday through Friday. A traffic light will further assume the smooth passage of traffic and improve the safety profile of the intersection. Plans detailing the installation and location are on file at Village Hall and are available for review on request.
