Four members of the Rockville Centre Police Department were recognized for advancing their careers during a promotion ceremony held during the Village Board of Trustees meeting at Village Hall last Monday.
Police Commissioner A. Randy Dodd announced the promotions of Joe Burnside to lieutenant, Tim Crosby and Brian Vacchio to sergeant, and Bret Ellers to police officer, praising each for the dedication, professionalism and leadership that earned them the new roles.
“There are very few days in a police commissioner’s career that are more rewarding than promotion,” Dodd said. “Today is not just about a new rank. It’s about recognizing those who have proven that they are ready to lead.”
Burnside previously served as a sergeant in the department. A graduate of the University at Albany with a degree in biology, he began his law enforcement career with the New York Police Department before joining the Rockville Centre Police Department in 2017.
Dodd noted that Burnside is believed to be the department’s second-youngest lieutenant.
Crosby began his law enforcement career with the NYPD in 2012 before joining the Rockville Centre Police Department in 2016. Before his promotion, he served as a field training officer, helping train and mentor new officers entering the department. Dodd said Crosby’s promotion reflects more than 14 years of law enforcement experience and a strong work ethic.
Vacchio, a Lynbrook native and graduate of Delaware Valley University with a degree in criminal justice, joined the NYPD in 2008 before transferring to Rockville Centre. During his time with the village department, he has received several honors, including the Town of Hempstead Service Award.
Ellers was sworn in as the department’s newest police officer. Raised in Wantagh, he earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Buffalo State College, where he played football as a strong safety. After working as a teacher and coach, he began his law enforcement career with the New York State Police in 2023 before transferring to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, where he served in the Highway Unit.
Dodd encouraged the newly promoted officers to lead by example as they take on their new responsibilities.
“They will not remember every order you gave them, but they will always remember the examples that you set,” Dodd said. “Never ask an officer to do something you wouldn’t do and always lead from the front.”
Family members, village officials, fellow officers and residents attended the ceremony to celebrate the four officers’ promotions.
