The Town of New Windsor Police Chief is retiring from his long-term position to take on a new leadership position in the Orange County government.
Robert Doss, who has served the New Windsor community for over 25 years while fulfilling various ranks within its police department, announced his retirement last week (story here). His letter of intent to retire was read by Town Supervisor George Meyers at a Town Board meeting. Doss’ retirement will become effective on Friday, February 17, 2023.
Doss will take on a new his role as the Deputy Commissioner of Orange County Emergency Services. He will serve directly under Commissioner Brandan Casey.
Doss will have quite the amount of responsibilities, but his colleagues say he is up for the challenge. The Department of Emergency Services runs five divisions in Orange County, including Emergency Communications (911), Emergency Management, Fire Services, Police Liaison Services and Emergency Medical Services. Each division provides separate services both to the public and to all emergency service agencies located within Orange County. Doss will be second in command of overseeing all of this.
“He has really done a great job with the town police department and we’re all going to miss him,” Meyers declared at last week’s board meeting.
Doss has now become the second New Windsor Police Chief to earn a position with Orange County’s Department of Emergency Services. Walt Koury, who was also a long-time and well-respected New Windsor Police Chief, retired from his position and then became Orange County’s first ever Commissioner of Emergency Services in 2004.
Koury was instrumental in getting the agency up and running, while leading it for another 12 years before venturing into a second retirement.
Around town, Doss was not known just as a law enforcer, but also as a member of the community. He worked closely with the New Windsor Recreation Department in offering countless services and programs for the town residents. Under his direction, police are quite regularly seen working hand-in-hand with Recreation Department employees at events such as Community Day, various youth camps throughout the year, safety presentations, wellness fairs, and much more.
“I have worked as Recreation Director for the Town of New Windsor for 17 years and have gotten to know Rob really well over the years, first as an Officer, then as he made his rise up the ranks to Chief,” New Windsor Recreation Director Matthew Veronesi stated. “We have worked on many events together over the years including New Windsor Community Day.”
Doss will have his official walk-out ceremony in front of the New Windsor Police Department on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 2:15pm. Police officers and brass, town officials, and others are planning to wait outside the station and salute Doss as he exits for his last time.
“Congratulations Rob. I wish you well in your new career,” said Veronesi.
