Southold Police Detective Honored For 32 Years Of Service

SOUTHOLD, NY — A well-loved Southold Town Police Department detective was met by a crowd Tuesday who came to watch him during his final walk out, after 32 years of dedicated service.

As the dispatcher noted his distinguished career, Det. Ned Grathwohl, surrounded by his colleagues, family and friends, embarked upon his retirement, leaving a legacy in the town he's served for more than three decades.

"Ned has served our department with distinction for over 32 years in his various roles and has always performed above and beyond what was asked of him," Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said. "His personality lends itself to developing numerous relationships, both with other law enforcement officers and members of the community he serves. Ned was always capable of working with any other officer on just about any case. He will be missed by our department."

Grathwohl spoke from the heart as he addressed the crowd, saying his career had been a childhood dream realized. He thanked the many with whom he's served for his "amazing career," and thanked his family and friends. "It's been an honor and a privilege," he said.

Flatley said Grathwohl has served the last 20 of his 32 years in the detective division. "He'll leave a void, not just in the detectives' office, but in the whole department," he said. As a colleague and "more importantly, as a friend, I wish you the best of luck in your retirement," Flatley said.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he sad to see Grathwohl retire. "I've known Ned since junior high. He's been a great colleague to work with and a great friend. I am happy for him but his leaving is a big loss for the town."

In an interview, Grathwohl said his career has brought great fulfillment. "I had a childhood dream come true, one I've had since I was a small child."

Grathwohl said he attended college for law enforcement, was hired by Southold Town as a seasonal police officer, then hired part time in 1984 and 1985, and hired full time in 1986. After 12 years of patrol work, he was promoted to the rank of detective.

Law enforcement changed dramatically during that time, with the inception of cell phones and DNA research, Grathwohl said. "There were some really cool advancements."

Looking back, he said, he had some memorable cases. "I ended at a high point. I have no regrets."

He's excited about the future, Grathwohl said. "I'm not planning on working nights, weekends or holidays," he laughed. "I'm going to turn my phone off at night."

On Wednesday, before his last walkout, Grathwohl dressed in uniform. "Not because I had to, but because I wanted to," he said. He had planned to go from Orient to Laurel, talking to the many people he's met during his long career. But so many stopped to talk and reminisce, he said, "I only went five miles, from Mattituck to Peconic."

The walkout, he said, was deeply meaningful. "I just lost it a bit," he said. "I didn't expect to hit me the way it did. But when I walked out and saw all my colleagues and my family, the bagpipes and even a drone — I knew I'd realized my childhood dream. I've done what I've always wanted to do."

Photos, videos by Lisa Finn.