Clarkstown Police Chief Should Be Fired: Hearing Officer

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan should be fired. So says a hearing officer Tuesday. Sullivan has been suspended from his job since July of last year, and he was found guilty of using improper surveillance for political and personal reasons.

Hearing Officer Robert J. Ponzini said, “It is my recommendation that the appropriate penalty is termination. Taking into account all of the facts and circumstances, I find that such penalty is appropriate and just.”

The same hearing officer had found Sullivan guilty of misconduct. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The hearing officer dismissed most of 19 counts brought against the chief, but found him guilty for deleting the data on his department-issued cellphone.

Sullivan was suspended for 15 days without pay.

In response to the recommendation of termination, Supervisor George Hoehmann said, “The people of Clarkstown must be able to have trust and confidence in those who represent them in government and serving them throughout our community. I look forward to the day when we can turn the page of this sad and unfortunate chapter in our town’s history. My administration and I will continue the good work we have been doing to lower taxes, curb overdevelopment and root out corruption."

Patch file photo.