Suffolk Acting Police Commissioner To Retire: Report

YAPHANK, NY — Suffolk Police Acting Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron will step down from his post in May after 37 years with the department, according to a report in Newsday.

Cameron took over the post in May after Geraldine Hart resigned, and before that, served as chief of department, which is the highest ranking uniformed member of the force.

County Executive Steve Bellone said he would always be grateful for Cameron stepping up in a moment of crisis for the county after he fired former Chief James Burke who was caught up in a misconduct and conspiracy scandal, Newsday reported. Bellone told the outlet that Cameron worked with Suffolk DA Tim Sini to "quickly restore faith, honor, and dignity in the department."

Cameron told Newsday that while misconduct generated headlines, the majority of police officers are on the job to serve the public.

"The work the cops do here is amazing, and I’ve had a front-row seat for 37 years," he said.

Retiring NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison has been given the nod by Bellone to take over the police commissioner post. If approved by the legislature, he will be the first black police commissioner in the county's history.

Suffolk PBA President Noel DiGerolamo, thanked Cameron for “his dedication and stewardship of this department during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“His selfless service to the Suffolk County Police Department and residents over the years exemplifies the definition of professionalism,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

DiGerolamo welcomed Harrison “to the greatest police department in our nation,” saying that he looks forward to “working collaboratively to ensure the residents of Suffolk continue to receive the level of services they have come to expect and deserve.”

“Given his experience, I am confident he will manage and represent our department to the highest degree,” he added.