Meet the new top cop

Lt. Charles Gennario, a member of the Rockville Centre Police Department since 1986, has been named the village's new top cop, and will take over when Police Commissioner Jack McKeon retires at the end of the month.

Gennario's appointment ends weeks of speculation about whether the village would promote from within the ranks of the department and whether McKeon's replacement would be named in time to train with McKeon before he departs.

McKeon and his second in command, Inspector Richard Fantry, have both announced that they will retire on Dec. 30.

“I’m extremely excited about the appointment,” Gennario said. “I realize we have a lot of hard work and many challenges ahead of us. Losing top, experienced people would be problematic for any organization, and losing them at the same time is especially challenging. Commissioner McKeon is a brilliant police administrator, and I realize I'm going to have very large shoes

to fill.

“I want to thank Commissioner McKeon for the support he’s given me throughout my career,” Gennario continued, “and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the mayor and the board of trustees for the confidence they have shown in me with such a prestigious appointment. I look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to serve the residents of the village.”

“This was an important decision,” said Mayor Mary Bossart. “We were deciding into whose hands we should entrust the safety of the village and its residents. It became clear during the interviewing that this was the right choice. The entire board completely supports this appointment. Chuck Gennario presented outstanding qualifications and unmatched experience. The announcement of his appointment at this time will provide a smooth transition for police administration and ensure stability and continuity in the department.”

Gennario, who was a police officer from 1986 to 1998, a sergeant and patrol supervisor from 1998 to 2003 and a lieutenant and commanding patrol officer from 2003 to this year, is also a firearms and police development instructor and an experienced narcotics investigator.