Southampton Town Police Chief Dies: 'He Was A Great Man'

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki, 69, died Thursday.

Skrynecki also served the Nassau County Police Department for 40 years, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said.

According to his son Scott, Skrynecki died after a battle with cancer.

"Chief Skrynecki was one of the finest individuals I have ever known," Schneiderman said. "He led a distinguished career in law enforcement, which included serving as our police chief for six years. Chief Skrynecki always made public safety his highest priority. Southampton Town is forever grateful for his service and offer our sincere condolences to his family."

He added: "He was a great man — he did a tremendous job for the town of Southampton."

Skrynecki's son Scott told Patch: "My father was incredibly tender, loving, giving and nurturing to everybody in his family. And I think he brought that to his public service in a way that made him even greater as a police officer and a leader."

He added: "He loved us. He loved music. And he loved the waters of Long Island. We will miss him terribly."

Southampton Town Police issued a statement Thursday: "The loss of such an honorable and respected officer will be felt across law enforcement from New York City to the East End of Long Island. He dedicated himself to the profession while imparting his vast experience and knowledge to the people who worked alongside him. Chief Skrynecki strived to make his communities a safer place for residents and visitors alike. Chief Skrynecki will be missed by not only the residents of Southampton, Southampton Town Police, and Nassau County Police but by the many people he touched throughout his 47 years of service. Please keep the Skrynecki family in your prayers."

Others mourned his loss: "He was a true professional, always moving law enforcement forward, and always focused on community safety while never losing sight of the needs of the officers," said East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo. "His passion for policing was unparalleled, and we will miss his insight and support. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."

Skrynecki was hired as police chief in Southampton in 2016.

Schneiderman said at the time he was hired that Skrynecki, was a "highly decorated and respected law enforcement officer. We are thrilled that he's accepted our offer. I think he'll be a tremendous leader for our police department."

Skrynecki, he said, also served in a plethora of other positions with the Nassau County Police Department, including chief of detectives, commanding officer in internal affairs, narcotics/vice squad, robbery and vehicle theft squads, and the Second Precinct.

In addition, Skrynecki served in a security capacity at the presidential debate in 2016.

Skrynecki replaced Southampton Town Police Chief Robert Pearce, who announced his retirement in 2016.

Reflecting on Skrynecki's record when he was hired, Schneiderman said he's overseen 3,000 people and "basically, held every position in the department. He's extraordinarily qualified. He'll make a tremendous police chief. The officers that serve under him, I think, will find him humble and a team player but also, someone they can learn from."