NEWBURGH – The City of Newburgh Police Department never had both a chief and commissioner until about three years ago when the commissioner post was created and filled.
Now that both Commissioner Jose Gomerez and Chief Anthony Geraci have resigned and a new chief has been appointed, one councilman believes returning to the leadership of just a chief should be explored.
Robert McLymore is the only member of the city council who is also a police officer, serving as a lieutenant in the Wallkill Town Police Department, and he thinks returning to the old leadership hierarchy should be considered.
“I think that sometimes change is good and depending on how that change happens, as long as we do what is right for the community and the people, I am all for it,” he said.
McLymore, who is the newest member of the council, noted that the lawmakers have yet to discuss the police department structure going forward.
Some 40 years ago, the city switched from a police chief leadership model to commissioner, but later switched back to chief.
