New Police Chief Installed and Five Officers Promoted at SPD Ceremony

Scarsdale officially swore in new Police Chief Andrew Matturro at a ceremony at Scarsdale Library on January 22nd at 10:00 am and recognized outgoing Police Chief John Brogan for 37 years of service to the village. About 120 guests attended, and the room was filled with police officers, their families, village officials and staff who came to pay their respects to Brogan, Matturro and four officers who received promotions.

Police Chief John Brogan has dedicated 37 years of service to the community with 12 years as Chief of the department. He noted that Scarsdale has come a long way since February 5th, 1975, his first day on the job in town. At the time, domestic violence was considered a personal issue and driving while intoxicated was a nuisance. Oftentimes police would drive someone home or take their cars keys rather than place them under arrest.

Brogan said he had one goal when he entered the force; and that was "to leave it a little better than he found it." Throughout his tenure, his motto remained the same; he believes that the basic ingredient to good service is "a cop who cares", which Brogan certainly did. He remarked that a good cop "embraces the conscience of the town", and "has empathy", never forgetting that they should treat citizens the same way they'd want themselves and their families to be treated."

Brogan took the opportunity to thank many – including the trustees, Mayor Bob Steves, officials, the staff and Village Manager Al Gatta, for their guidance and cooperation over the years. He didn't forget to thank family and friends for their stellar support either, knowing that he couldn't have done it without any of them. He thanked his command staff for allowing him to have complete faith that they'd always give him the right answers, even when it wasn't what he wanted to hear. He expressed gratitude to all the men and women of the department for being "the manifestation of the motto SPD; service, pride, dedication." 

Chief Brogan called incoming chief Andrew Matturro a man of vision, confidence, character and compassion. These wise words Brogan had for his replacement came in the form of an Abraham Lincoln speech he quoted on the day of his own initiation. "If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business." He explained that this was the ideal he kept in mind when times got tough. To him the quote meant that though everyone has their own point of view on his work and choices, the most important thing is to work hard and do the right thing, regardless of people's complaints. Matturro will surely benefit from this advice in the years to come.

Newly-installed Chief Matturro's initiation speech was equally as grateful and heartwarming. He started out by expressing gratitude to Mayor Steves, the entire Board of Trustees, Village Manager Alfred Gatta and Deputy Village Manager Steven Pappalardo for their confidence and trust in him to lead the department. He also thanked his wife and children for their support over the years. He gave credit to Scarsdale Village workers and officials of all kinds, noting that he would not be where he is today without the help of any of them.

He did have some concerns upon being named the new Chief--as many of us probably would! Soon after hearing the good news, he called former Scarsdale Police Chief Ferraro to thank him for the opportunity. He told him that he and Chief Brogan had left him with such an excellent and capable department, and wondered where he should go from here. Ferraro ensured him that there "is always room for improvement, and you can always move an organization forward", and reassured him that he would do a fine job.

The new Chief then went on to highlight the stellar job Brogan did as Chief in his 12 years. Echoing Brogan's goal to leave the department in a better state than he found it., he said,"Chief Brogan", Matturro said, "you achieved more than your goal." He noted that, though Brogan was dedicated and driven himself, he always looked out for others and pushed his officers to their limits. He thanked Brogan for his guidance, and explained that he will strive to be the kind of strong, yet caring leader, that Brogan was to this department.

Finally, Matturro had some wonderful words to share about the Scarsdale police officers. He explained that although many of them have impressive degrees that can be applied to many different fields and types of work, the one thing they have in common is that "each of them decided at some point that they would dedicate their professional lives to serving others." Though many of the officers do not live in Scarsdale, the passion and pride with which they fulfill their duties would make anyone believe they are residents. Noting that all eyes have been on the police (from Ferguson to New York City.) Matturro vowed that Scarsdale force would continue to serve justly and professionally—treating residents in the same manner they'd want their own families to be treated.

Matturro said that thought he is not usually one to brag about rank or achievements, he is extremely proud and honored to be named Chief of such an incredible department in an incredible community.

Also at the ceremony, five officers were promoted by the Scarsdale Police Department. Here is some information about each one:

Captain Thomas Altizio

Thomas Altizio joined the force in 1986, and has been instrumental in organizing and maintaining the departments many Information and Technology systems. He has supervised many successful investigations and has done an exemplary job in advancing the efficiency of the Investigation Section. He has been promoted to the Rank of Captain.

Detective Lieutenant Ed Murphy

Lt. Murphy began his career in 1990 with the Mount Vernon Police Department before joining the SPD. He served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol and Special Operations Sergeant and is currently the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Section--the largest one in the department. The Patrol section met 10 out of its 10 goals in 2014, which is a testament to Murphy's outstanding job and leadership. He has been promoted to Detective Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Joseph DuSavage

Sgt. DuSavage entered the force with the Putnam Valley Police Department in 1994 before joining the SPD. He is involved in many aspects of training, and has served as a Field Training Officer, Department Armorer, Head Firearms Instructor, Patrol Sergeant, and is currently the Special Operations Sergeant. He is being promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant.

Detective Sargeant James Newman

Sargeant Newman joined the Scarsdale force in 1997. He has been instrumental in the department's successful maintenance of its National and State Accreditation Programs and is involved in many aspects of training. He has served as a Field Training Officer and General Topics Instructor as well. He is currently assigned as the Accreditation/Training and Scheduling Sergeant. He was described by Matturro as a "jack of all trades", who always does what he is assigned without even a word in opposition. He is being promoted to Detective Sergeant.

Sargeant David Rosa

Rosa joined the Scarsdale Police Department in 2006 after serving with the New York City Police Department for 6 years. He is a certified bicycle officer, Field Training Officer, and is currently working in the Patrol Section. David is known as a knowledgeable senior police officer who is always willing to assist new officers as they learn and acclimate to their new positions. He is being promoted to Rank of Sergeant.

Photos by Jon Thaler - see more and purchase copies here.