Rye Police Commissioner Connors Resigns for Retirement

 The City of Rye Manager's office announced that Police Commissioner William R. Connors is resigning "for purposes of retirement," effective Jan. 16, 2014 in a press release this evening. 

 Connors said the time off will be more a "sabbatical than a permanent retirement " but that he wants to "restore a proper work/life balance while I am young enough to enjoy it." 

Read the city's full press release here: 

City of Rye Police Commissioner William R. Connors has announced his resignation for purposes of retirement, effective January 16, 2014.

Commissioner Connors was appointed on January 15, 2001, following a twenty-year career in the New York City Police Department. He has not announced any future plans this time. “I have loved my career in policing,” said Connors. “It has been an honor to be part of this noble profession for thirty-three years, and especially to have served this community and worked with the outstanding members of this Department. But I have hoped, for myself and my family, that I would be able to take some time to restore a proper work/life balance while I am young enough to enjoy it. I think this is more likely to be a sabbatical rather than permanent retirement, but it is the right time to take some time off.”

City Manager Scott Pickup acknowledged the many accomplishments of Commissioner Connors during his tenure in Rye. Connors recently oversaw the Department’s successful reaccreditation assessment by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council in July. Accredited agencies must undergo a complete assessment every five years. City Manager Pickup also extended his thanks to the Commissioner who deferred his original leave date to assist in crucial City planning. Commissioner Connors will steer the 2014 budget planning and preparation as well as assist in transition planning of the Department to ensure continuity of operations during the hurricane season in light of the severe storms that impacted the City during the past two years.

Mayor French noted, "I have been at the Commissioner's side during some of the most trying times in Rye's recent memory – coyote attacks, multiple major weather events, and serious criminal acts. He is a highly respected public safety professional across the County and Rye will greatly miss his leadership and guidance. I personally thank him for staying on to ensure a smooth transition. We will be authorizing the City Manager to post for his replacement and will put together a representative committee to assist in the hiring process."

“The City of Rye has been a challenging and demanding place to work,” said the Commissioner, “but it has been a truly rewarding experience. The residents of our City and the members of the Department should know that for these thirteen years I have devoted every bit of my energy toward one goal: doing what is right for this City, its residents, and the members of this Department. I plan to continue to do that until January.”