The City of Newburgh introduced Brandon Rola as its new chief of police on Monday, May 6. Rola assumed command of the department on Friday, May 3 at 4 p.m. and will be sworn in as the new chief at the next city council meeting, on May 13.

A press conference was held on Monday afternoon with members of the police command staff, city staff and additional colleagues joining to formally announce Rola as the new chief to the public.

“I’m truly humbled to be entrusted with this position,” said Rola. “I have dedicated my entire adult life, to this city, to this department, to the citizens. I look forward to this experience.”

“City residents can take immense pride that their police department has developed an exceptional homegrown leader to become their chief of police,” said City Chief of Staff Mike Neppl.

Rola’s appointment as the new chief follows the departure of the previous chief, Anthony Geraci. Geraci has since been hired by the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.

A 16-year member of the department, Rola began his career with the city in 2008 as a patrol officer following his college graduation. He attended Mount Saint Mary College and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management.

Rola has served as an instructor at the Orange County Police Academy and In-Service Instructor for the city police department. He eventually became a New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Certified Instructor.

Chief Rola received national attention in 2014 on Thanksgiving for his efforts in finding and rescuing two young boys who were trapped for several hours in the snow. He also saved a man from drowning in Downing Park in 2022.

Rola was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2016 and has used training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to lead several specialized tactical units. Rola has supervised the city’s Traffic Safety and STOP DWI (driving while intoxicated) programs. Rola was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and has since served as NPD’s Operations Commander.

Rola is recognized as one of the department’s most decorated members, having received nearly thirty merit service awards, including a Bronze Star. He also served as the President of the Police Superior Officers Association.

Mayor Torrance R. Harvey offered congratulations to Rola and his family and commended the city manager on the new appointment for police chief.

“Over the course of his exemplary sixteen-year career with the City of Newburgh Police Department, Brandon Rola has served our community’s residents and business owners with respect and unparalleled operational expertise,” said Harvey in a statement. “Chief Rola’s promotion to Chief of Police is a strong testament to the City’s ability to promote from within and maintain continuity of leadership.”

“Chief Brandon Rola represents the very best of the City of Newburgh Police Department: an officer who rose through the ranks with unimpeachable integrity, selfless acts of heroism, an unwavering commitment to our community, and innate leadership qualities that have garnered the respect of his fellow police officers and City staff,” stated City Manager Todd Venning.

As the new chief of police, Rola is looking forward to working with Police Commissioner José A. Gomérez and command staff to address the city’s crime, maintaining a strong staff and having the department continue to connect with the community through outreach opportunities and foot patrols. “Throughout my tenure as Police Commissioner, Brandon Rola has consistently distinguished himself as one of NPD’s most talented and respected police officers, always going above and beyond with unmatched professionalism,” said Commissioner Gomérez. “I congratulate Chief Rola on his well-earned promotion, and I look forward to working with him.”