Peekskill Police Chief Announces Retirement

PEEKSKILL, NY — The city of Peekskill will be looking for a new police chief.

On Aug. 25, Chief Don Halmy announced his plan to retire effective Sept. 25 after more than 20 years on the force.

Halmy was hired in 1999 and worked on patrol, including the overnight shift, earning the title of sergeant in 2009 and lieutenant in 2017.

He was appointed chief of the department in 2018.

Halmy said he has accepted a position in the private sector at a school where he will draw on both his experience in public safety and his first career as an educator when he worked at the Bronx Zoo.

He said, while it is never easy to say goodbye, he feels he's leaving the police department in good hands with strong leadership candidates in the ranks.

"I believe with all my heart the Peekskill Police Department is one of the finest in this country," Halmy said, "and I will always be proud to know that I was a part of this great law enforcement agency."

In his comments to staff, Halmy described how Peekskill has changed for the better over the last two decades due to the concerted efforts of city employees and diverse community partners from the business, civic and public sectors. He said he feels the city has become safer and more harmonious and is seeing the results of this change in its cultural dynamism and economic development.

Halmy did express a note of caution that it is essential to preserve and understand the city's unique history, especially as this relates to integrating diverse peoples into a single community.

Over the last year, he played a leadership role in the city's Police Reform Task Force, led by people of color. With his support, the department has undertaken a variety of improvements to communications, training, equipment and procedures that together advance the department's longstanding commitment to professionalism and community partnership, as stated in the Task Force report available on the city website.

“Finally, I would like to say thank you. I know the past year and a half has been extremely challenging for everyone, and the police have been in the forefront of much negativity. I appreciate the support of Peekskill residents and wish you all the best.”

Mayor Andre Rainey said he and Halmy began their terms close to the same times.

"We will severely miss his integrity, compassion, empathy, mental agility and commitment to this city," he said. "Now more than ever, we need people who care about the job and build rapport with the public, as Chief Halmy does."

The city of Peekskill is now in the process of identifying and appointing a successor who will continue the work started by Halmy and further build on improving the Department.

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