New Windsor Police Chief Robert Doss concluded over 25 years of service to the New Windsor Police Department with a final walkout ceremony on Thursday, February 16. Doss’s successor as chief was Lieutenant Daniel Valeri, who was promoted during a special meeting on the same day. Doss was joined at the New Windsor Police Station by his wife Jennifer and children Robbie and Ryleigh, active and retired members of the New Windsor Police Department, town officials, neighboring town officers, state troopers and other members of the New Windsor community.

In accordance with town requirements, the town board held a special meeting to officially approve several motions of the promotions and retirements for the town officers. New Windsor Supervisor George Meyers shared several words to the crowd to honor Doss.

“Robert’s been the chief here for probably four and a half years, served with the department for over 25 years and I’ve worked very closely with Robert over the last three and a half years. And he is truly a professional and he’s done a great job as a police chief. and we wish him luck too,” said Meyers. “He’s moving on to work with the county. I’m sure he will have a fine career there.”

Along with Doss, Detective Sergeant Christopher Sager also retired from the department and served 29 years. Meyers called up all the retired and newly promoted officers to the front of the New Windsor Court Room, congratulated them and presented them a plaque in recognition of their service and promotions.

One by one, each of the promoted officers had their newly received badges pinned to their uniforms. Valeri was pinned chief by his wife, Cindy Valeri. Officer Jeremy Arcaro was promoted to Detective and was pinned by his mother, Sandy Arcaro. Officer Hannah Lake was promoted to Sergeant and was pinned by partner, Daniel Ward. Detective Alexander Ragni was promoted to Sergeant and was pinned by his father, Stephen Ragni and wife, Kelsey. Sergeant Matthew Monahan was promoted to Lieutenant and was pinned by wife, Samantha.

The officers were then called up again to the front of the courtroom, where Town Justice George Meyers IV administered the oath of office to each of them. After completion of the oath, each officer signed their names into the record book with the help of Town Clerk Kelly Allegra.

Later on in the afternoon, the walkout was held as salutes were given and bagpipes played in the background. Holding back some emotions, Doss shared a few words to the crowd. “I just want to say a few words, especially the two words thank you. I would not be here without every single person that is here. It’s overwhelming but you don’t get to this moment without others, and the things we’ve accomplished with the department was not me, it was everybody,” said Doss. “The department’s in great hands with Dan Valeri. I truly believe that.”

Notable accomplishments shared during Doss’ tenure from 2018 to 2023 included the following: the New Windsor Police Department achieved re-accreditation in 2021 through the New York State Accreditation Program, established partnerships with organizations such as Hope Not Handcuffs, FEARLESS! Hudson Valley, Inc., Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center and the F.B.I. Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force. The department also established the first Employee Assistance Program, the first Community Advisory Panel, the first bicycle patrol unit, the first Crisis Intervention Team, the first Body Worn Camera Program and policy, the first National Night Out event, the first Police Chaplaincy Program, the first Roadway Camera/License Plate Reader Network and the first holiday patrols in the town. Other accomplishments included the creation of two new K-9 teams, enhanced recognition of retired and long-time serving employees; the department led New York State’s Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative; Doss led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic; and arrests were made in three homicide cases which led to successful verdicts. With one final police escort, Doss officially concluded the walkout. His last official day in New Windsor was Friday, February 17.