A crowd gathered outside the Glen Cove Police Department on Tuesday to celebrate National Night Out, a community tradition meant to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the public. This year’s event had special meaning, because it doubled as a tribute to police Chief William Whitton, a lifelong Glen Cove resident who has led the department since 2007.
As music played and families enjoyed food, games and public safety demonstrations, Glen Cove High School freshman Marc Delacruz explained why he showed up. “I wanted to come out here because I’ve been here a lot of times, and I just thought it would be fun,” he said.
The gathering, which took place on Bridge Street, was a celebration of safety, service and community pride. Co-sponsored by the city, the Glen Cove Police Benevolent Association, the Youth Bureau, the Volunteer Fire Department, EMS, the Housing Authority, the Downtown Business Improvement District and several local businesses, the event offered family-friendly fun and a chance to say thank you to the Police Department.
Deputy Chief Chris Ortiz reminded attendees that Glen Cove was one of thousands of communities across the country taking part in National Night Out.
“In doing so, they are making a statement that they will not tolerate crime in their communities, and that they support their local law enforcement,” Ortiz told the crowd. “Your being here tonight is showing your support for the officers of the Glen Cove Police Department, and we appreciate you.”
Ortiz then made the announcement that many had been anticipating, of this year’s National Night Out honoree. Each year the department recognizes someone who exemplifies a commitment to justice, public safety and support for law enforcement. This year the honor went to Police Chief William Whitton, who has been an integral part of the Glen Cove community for over four decades.
“This year’s honoree has impacted everyone’s lives in this audience, whether you know it or not,” Ortiz said. “He has been my teacher, my mentor, my leader and, best of all, my friend. I have personally become a better police officer and a better person due to his influence.”
Ortiz reflected on Whitton’s steady leadership in moments of crisis, and his enduring impact on the department’s culture. “I have watched him be a calming force in some really maddening times and emergency situations,” Ortiz said. “He embodies everything it means to be Glen Cove’s National Night Out honoree.”
Whitton, 65, was visibly moved as he took the microphone. “I am honored to be the honoree, for sure,” he said, recalling his long history with the department. “I became the chief of police in 2007. That was the first year we decided to participate in National Night Out. I think back over those 18 years, and I think about all the worthy honorees that came before me. I am truly humbled to be amongst their greatness.”
Born and raised in Glen Cove in a home built by his grandfather, Whitton attended city schools and earned a degree from Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus in 1983. He initially planned to go to law school, but was encouraged by a neighbor in law enforcement to take the police exam. He did, and it set the course for the next 40 years of his life.
Whitton joined the department in 1984, and worked his way through the ranks: patrol officer, motorcycle unit, detective, sergeant in 1997, lieutenant in 2003, deputy chief in 2006, and chief in 2007. Along the way, he gained a reputation for professionalism, empathy and innovation.
He credited former Deputy Chief Robert McDonald and longtime PBA President Patrick Hall — both of whom were in attendance — for helping turn the department into a model of collaboration and excellence.
“Robert McDonald and myself turned this ship in a different direction,” Whitton said. “We changed everything about how this organization functions — from technology to crime solving to community service. But we couldn’t do it without the buy-in of the men and women of the Glen Cove Police Department.”
That helped reshape the culture of the department, he added, to focus on communication, trust and community service. “We took this Police Department and we changed the culture of it,” Whitton said. “We really did.”
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck praised Whitton as someone she knew she could rely on from her first day in office. “He handles every situation with great integrity,” she said. “He is a man that we know we can always count on.”
State Sen. Jack Martins said that Whitton’s leadership is one of the reasons Glen Cove is considered one of the safest cities in New York state. And Assemblyman Charles Lavine added that Whitton’s record speaks for itself. Lavine described taking part in the event as a blessing.
“It’s really cool to see,” Whitton’s daughter, Amanda Whitton, told him, beaming with pride. “It’s really impressive. You’re something to look up to.”
For Whitton, the recognition was less about himself and more about the mission. “What we came out with on the other side of things was a better product to give to the community — to keep it safe, to keep it happy,” he said. “We’re a service-oriented police department. ‘Committed to Excellence’ is on our vehicles, and we truly do try and commit this place to excellence.”
