New York Eastern Canada
Chapter News
2021 is already looking up – the NYSEC Chapter Chat is officially out of quarantine. On a serious note, the leadership of the New York Eastern Canada Chapter wish you all a prosperous and healthy 2021.
We wish the retirees, “promotees”, and those on the move success in all your future endeavors.
Promotions
Sheriff William A. Sheron, NA Session 196, recently won re-election in Genesee County. Sheriff Sheron progressed through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff-Jail, Deputy Sheriff-Road Patrol, Sergeant, Investigator and Chief Deputy Road Patrol. He served as Undersheriff from 1996 through 2016. He won his first term as Sheriff in 2017. Congrats, Bill.
Lawrence “Larry” Zacarese, NA Session 246, was appointed Interim Chief of Police and Assistant VP of Campus Security at the State University of New York’s Stony Brook Campus.
Retirements
Hamilton Police Chief Eric Girt, NA Session 230, has pulled the plug after serving for almost 35 years with the Hamilton Police Service. Chief Girt rose through the ranks of the department from patrol officer to chief. Some of the accolades he received throughout his career include the Ontario Crime Control Commission’s Certificate of Excellence, Order of Merit of Police Forces and the Police Exemplary Service Medal. Congratulations Chief Girt!
Deputy Inspector Anthony J. Raganella (“Rags”), NA Session 223, recently retired from the NYPD after 25 years of dedicated service. Raganella was the commanding officer to the department’s Disorder Control Unit. He is now the president of NY Blue Line Consulting Group, Inc. and provides nationwide training and presentations related to protests and civil unrest. “Rags” is also on the FBINAA Speakers Bureau as well as sits on the boards and advisory groups of multiple organizations.
NYSEC Board of Governor and NYPD Deputy Inspector Joseph Del Duca, NA Session 263, retired from the New York City Police Department after a 27-year career. Joe, pictured with Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison, was the Commanding Officer of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Squad at the time of his retirement.
Chief Richard V. Tantalo, NA Session 176, of the Irondequoit (NY) Police Department retired after 42 years in law enforcement. Chief Tantalo retired in March 2020 and was appointed Director of Public Safety for the County of Monroe, NY in April of 2020.
Past Chapter President and Suffolk Police Department Assistant Chief Bob Oswald, NA Session 190, retired after a 40-year career. Time to forget the job emails and enjoy that nice new boat! Chief, thank you for your dedication and leadership which has significantly contributed to the success of our Chapter.
Robert Fitchett, NA Session 242, of Nassau Police Department retired at the rank of Inspector and took a new position with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Paul Arteta, NA Session 248, recently retired at the rank of Captain from a 28-year career with the Orange County (NY) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant Chief Larry Jay, NA Session 249, retired from the US Border Patrol Headquarters in Washington, DC on November 30, 2020. During his 25 years of federal service, Larry was assigned to posts at the southwest border (San Diego) and the northern border (Buffalo). He also served as a member of the JTTF and represented the Border Patrol as an attaché in Warsaw, Poland.
Superintendent Dave Brown, NA Session 255, of the Durham Regional Police Service recently retired following a 30-year career. While he retired from policing, he continues to serve as a member of our Chapter’s Board of Governors.
Adam J. Love, NA Session 275, of the Massena Police Department retired on August 1, 2020.
Passings
In closing this edition, I would like us all to remember our Chapter’s departed, especially Ken Kelly, NA Session 113, who passed away on December 31. Ken’s brother, Tom Brandon, NA Session 182, is an active member of the Chapter.
Western Pennsylvania
Chapter News
Lieutenant Brian McKeown, NA Session 264, was sworn in as Western Pennsylvania Chapter President by Pittsburgh Division SAC Michael Christman at a virtual ceremony on January 15, 2021. Brian will lead the chapter until 2022. Brian serves as Administrative/Investigative Lieutenant with the Castle Shannon Borough Police Department in Pittsburgh, PA.
Sergeant Gary Watkins, NA Session 256, is the latest Castle Shannon Supervisor to complete the FBI LEEDA Trilogy. Sergeant Watkins completed the course work from the Supervisor Leadership Institute and the Command Leadership Institute in 2020 and the Executive Leadership Institute in January 2021. He joins Lieutenant David Lane, NA Session 245, and Lieutenant Brian McKeown, NA Session 264, with this accomplishment. Congratulations to Sergeant Watkins!