Updated: Police Chief Flynn to Retire, Lt. Leahy to Serve as Interim Chief

Village of Mamaroneck Police Chief Edward E. Flynn will retire on September 26, and Lt. Christopher Leahy will become provisional chief until a permanent chief is appointed.

Flynn first announced his plans to retire at last week's Board of Trustees work session, and Leahy's appointment was authorized at Monday's board meeting.

Flynn's career spans 37 years, and he has been chief at the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department since 1994. He has a master's degree in criminal justice from Long Island University, a law degree from Pace University, and is admitted to the bar in both Connecticut and New York.

Leahy, 42, began his law enforcement career with NYPD in 1991. He was hired by the village in 1993 and became lieutenant three years ago. He is a graduate of Harrison High School, the FBI National Academy and the NYPD Police Academy, and has an associate degree in criminal justice from Westchester Community College. It is anticipated that he will pass the civil service examination, which will be administered most likely in March of next year, and be appointed permanent chief, said Assistant Village Manager Dan Sarnoff.

In addition to Leahy, Lt. James Gaffney, from the VOMPD's support services division, and Lt. Steven Gerardi, from the investigations division, were also interviewed for the chief position, said Sarnoff.

On Monday, the board also authorized the village's retirement and employment agreement with Flynn, whose accrued amount of leave time is valued at $109,000. Instead of being paid in full for this time, Flynn asked the board to authorize a retroactive pay increase for $84,000 over three years, which will be paid upon retirement. The board approved such payment 4-1. Trustee John Hofstetter cast the dissenting vote, saying he was uncomfortable with the retroactive pay increase because of the precedent it set and the possibility of having to pay an increased amount in years to come. The village has recently had some issues with pensions of this sort, he added.

Trustee Louis Santoro said that the village would be paying approximately $5,900 for the settlement and saving $25,000. "You are ahead of the game $20,000, so I don't think you are setting any precedent for doing it," he said.

Village Manager Rich Slingerland says the $5-6,000 payment into the pension fund will be a one-time cost to the village.

The office of the New York State Comptroller has yet to approve this agreement. The determination will go to the chief, and it usually takes form 3 to 6 months, said Slingerland.

As interim chief, Leahy will earn an annual base salary of $130,000, which is nearly $12,000 higher than what he currently earns. Flynn earns $152,256. 

At Monday's meeting, Leahy congratulated and thanked Flynn for his service and wished him well on his retirement, and thanked his family and friends for their support.

"I want to assure to you that I will continue giving my very best effort, and I want you to know that I am very proud to lead this fine group of men and women in the service to this community," he told the mayor and board.

The chief-to-be received a standing ovation from an audience of several dozen people, including serving and retired officers of the VOMPD. "The applause that you hear is really a resounding affirmation," said Trustee Toni Pergola Ryan.