James Salerno Sworn in as 10th Port Washington Police Chief

Pledging to continue protecting the community he loves, and praising the members of the Port Washington Police District for “the excellent work they do all day, every day,” James Salerno was sworn in Thursday as the district’s 10th police chief.

”I’m truly honored to stand here before you as the 10th chief of police,” Salerno told the crowd of well-wishers at the swearing in ceremony at the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Co. # 1 in Port Washington.

“I love this job,” he added. “I love Port Washington.”

Salerno grew up in Port Washington, graduating from Schreiber High School in 1977.

People might know him most recently as the district’s acting chief, a role he assumed in 2013 after Chief William Kilfoil retired. But Salerno’s ties to the district run much deeper. He began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the NYPD but was hired by Port Washington Police in 1985, and assigned to the patrol division.

In 1990 he was assigned to the detective division, where he investigated juvenile and adult crimes. He remained in that position until 1994 when he was promoted to sergeant and returned to patrol.

In 2000, Salerno was promoted to lieutenant. Thirty days later he was transferred to administration as Kilfoil’s assistant.

Highlights in Salerno’s career include a time in 1987 when he secured information that closed a case involving a streak of vandalism and the assault of a police officer. And in 1999, Salerno, who is also a registered nurse, delivered a baby at police headquarters when a woman seeking help went into labor. When the baby turned 15, Salerno was invited to her quinceañera.

Kilfoil commended Salerno for his “excellence in life, marriage and profession.”

With Salerno’s wife of 29 years, Jean, and their children Christopher, Ashley, and Robbie at his side, he was sworn in by Commissioner James Duncan, who stood with Commissioners Dave Franklin and Angela Lawlor Mullins. Also in attendance was Salerno’s daughter-in-law Ashley, as well as aunts and other extended family, and friends as well as community leaders.

Officials praised Salerno and the district.

“They care about the constituents, follow the rules, and it shows,” Assemb. Michelle Schimel said.

Sen. Jack Martins spoke of Salerno’s “skill and commitment.” North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said that Salerno did “an extraordinary job protecting Port Washington.”

Echoing that sentiment, Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio said, “Port Washington is a great place to live in large part because of our police and fire departments.”

Town Clerk Wayne Wink noted Salerno’s “keen intellect, calm and cool demeanor and steady hand.”

“I can’t think of anyone more qualified and capable” to become chief, Wink added.

Salerno thanked his family and community members and colleagues for their support.

He spoke of the district’s crossing guards, who “protect the children as if they are their own.”

And he made a special point to acknowledge Kilfoil, the district’s longest serving chief. Salerno said his transition in becoming acting chief went smoothly because of Kilfoil, adding that Port Washington “is a better place because of his commitment to the community.”

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