Robert Lucchesi will officially become the New Paltz police chief on April 25, although he’s been largely doing that work already.
Until he leaves the station at 3:30 p.m. on April 24, Joe Snyder will still officially be in charge. “I am just overseeing operations, and here to answer any last-minute questions,” said Snyder. “Other than that, lieutenant Lucchesi and lieutenant Butler are handling everyday operational needs.”
Snyder is pleased with how the transition has been accomplished. “I announced that I would be retiring back in July or August, as I knew it would take time to complete the transition in a smooth fashion,” he said. “Never did any of us imagine that we would be going through a pandemic like we are today.”
He was leaving the department in good hands, he said. There was no need, due to the pandemic, for him to alter his originally planned retirement date, Anyway, he’s “just a phone call away if any questions arise.”
Unfortunately, plans for a cake or party to honor the longtime police chief will have to be put on hold. “I am sure there will be some officers and colleagues that may be present as I walk out for the last time, and of course my immediate family. We will be sure to keep [to] social distancing during my departure. I am disappointed that I will not be able to give a hug to every one of our officers. The NPPD family has been a part of my life for 32 years. Any retirement gatherings will be planned down the road in the future once this pandemic passes.”
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