The New Windsor Town Board convened in a special meeting this morning to appoint a new police chief and to approve additional police promotions. The Board also held presentations to thank their retiring staff.
The current chief, Robert Doss, is retiring to take a job with Orange County (story here). Today is his last day working with New Windsor. Also retiring is Detective Sergeant Christopher Sager.
The Town Board voted unanimously to promote Daniel J. Valeri to Chief of Police. Valeri joined the New Windsor Police Department in 1997 and is currently a Lieutenant. He has served as a field training officer, a canine handler, and a patrol sergeant.
Valeri is a graduate of Marist College and has resided in New Windsor for over 40 years. In June of 2022, The Newburgh News highlighted Valeri when he graduated from the FBI National Academy (story here).
In 2005, Valeri was named the New Windsor Police Department’s 2005 Officer of the Year. He has also received the department’s Meritorious Police Duty Award and Excellent Police Duty Award.
New Windsor Police Sergeant Matthew Monahan will be promoted to Lieutenant to fill Valeri’s previous post. Detective Alexander Ragni and Officer Hannah Lake will both be promoted to Sergeants. Officer Jeremy Acaro will now become a Detective.
The Town Board voted unanimously on all of the promotions. They will each begin their new positions on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
After approving the new appointments, the Town Board held presentations to recognize their retiring staff.
Retiring Detective Sergeant Christopher Sager:
New Windsor Town Supervisor George Meyers called Sager to the front of the room to present him with a retirement certificate, which thanked him for his 29 years of service to the New Windsor Police Department. Sager began his career with New Windsor in 1994.
Meyers had high praise for Sager. “Your dedication and knowledge have been instrumental in solving and closing many important cases over the years,” Meyers said. “As I have mentioned to you on several occasions, you are one of the finest investigators that I have ever encountered.”
Chief Doss presented Sager with a plaque. “Thank you for your outstanding service and dedication to the Town of New Windsor Police Department,” Doss quoted from the plaque.
Meyers spoke of Sager, “He did a great job and we’re sorry to see him go, but I know he’s heading for another career and I’m sure he’ll be very successful.”
Retiring Chief Robert Doss:
Meyers explained that Doss has been the Chief of Police for four and a half years. “I’ve worked very closely with Robert over the last three and a half years and he is truly a professional,” Meyers observed. “He’s done a great job as the Police Chief and we wish him luck too.”
Sager handed a plaque and a certificate to Meyers to be presented to Doss. Meyers read the certificate which thanked Doss for his “outstanding service and dedication” to New Windsor.
Doss was recognized for over 25 years of service to the New Windsor Police Department. He began his career with New Windsor in 1997.
Meyers noted that he has taken guidance from Doss. “I really appreciate the help that you have given me to keep our citizens safe and I know that’s always been your bottom line,” Meyers told Doss.
“I am proud of you,” Meyers declared.
Incoming Chief Daniel Valeri:
Valeri was called to the front of the room to be introduced and recognized for his new promotion.
Meyers explained that the Town Board has felt Valeri is the “best person” to fill the job. “We appreciate that Danny has agreed to do that,” Meyers said. “We’re counting on you.”
Valeri was given a plaque congratulating him for his new promotion. Meyers read from the plaque, “Chief of Police is one of the most important positions in town government.”
“I am confident in your ability to lead the New Windsor Police Department into the future and I wish you much success,” Meyers told Valeri.
Incoming Lieutenant Matthew Monahan:
Meyers called Monahan to the front of the room to introduce him as the newest addition to the New Windsor Police Department’s command staff.
“I want to congratulate you on your promotion,” Meyers told Monahan. “You have demonstrated your supervisory ability as a first line supervisor and you are now assuming more responsibility as a member of our police command staff.”
Meyers continued, “I have full confidence in your ability to get the job done and look forward to your future contributions to the New Windsor Police Department.
The Town Board also individually recognized Ragni and Lake for their promotions to Sergeants, as well as Acaro’s promotion to Detective.
“I really drive the point home that those of you who are promoted, you are the future of this department,” Meyers continued. “I expect you will do a good job and I know you’ll do a good job.”
New Windsor Town Justice George J. Meyers, a retired Sergeant from the New Windsor Police Department, administered the oaths of office to the newly promoted police staff. He congratulated each of the employees for their promotions.
“Danny and I graduated high school together … so it’s a proud day for me,” Justice Meyers said. Each of the employees then took their oaths to support the Constitution and discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
