Deputy Police Commissioner Costa Says Goodbye With A Final Walkout

NEW ROCHELLE, NY —It was a bittersweet moment on the steps of police headquarters on Thursday. A nearly 40-year veteran of the force and one of the department's top brass said goodbye after a distinguished career in public service.

Deputy Police Commissioner Cosmo Costa celebrated his last day with the New Rochelle Police Department with a Walkout Ceremony in front of police headquarters, attended by members of the department, colleagues, family and friends.

Deputy Commissioner Costa was appointed to the department in September 1984 and was promoted to Sergeant in January 1993, and to Lieutenant in December 1998. He served as the department's Training Director for 15 years. In December of 2014, he was promoted to Captain, and assumed the duties of Commanding Officer of the Staff Services Division. In May 2018, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the Criminal Investigations Division, and promoted to Deputy Commissioner in July 2021.

Deputy Commissioner Costa was the recipient of the Police Commissioner's Award, 1 Class C Citation, 5 Commendation Awards and 2 Journal News Awards. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Iona College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute of Police administered by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

"I am proud to have served with Deputy Commissioner Cosmo Costa," Commissioner Robert Gazzola said of the occasion. "He is a true professional who has made a lasting impression on the men and women of the New Rochelle Police Department. I will miss seeing my friend at work, but I wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement."

Captain Neil Reynolds will be promoted to Deputy Police Commissioner in a promotional ceremony on Wednesday, January 4 at 11 a.m. at New Rochelle City Hall, Council Chambers.

Captain Reynolds won't be alone in moving up through the ranks.

• Lt. Melvin Molina will be promoted to Captain
• Lt. Robert Wenzler will be promoted to Detective Lieutenant
• Sgt. Nicholas Zuzulo will be promoted to Lieutenant
• Police Officer Christopher Carelli will be promoted to Sergeant
• Police Officer Nicole DeCarlo will be promoted to Detective
• Police Officer Robert Johnson will be promoted to Detective