Jose Gomerez and Anthony Geraci were in the NYPD’s first graduating class of the 21st Century. The two were part of a large group that earned their badges in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden more than two decades ago.

“We walked out those doors, and here we are 21 years later in the City of Newburgh,” said Geraci, Newburgh’s new police chief.

He joined new Police Commissioner Gomerez on stage Monday night at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center for another ceremony, resplendent with a color guard, bagpiper and a sea of Dominican Republic flags.

The pair was officially welcomed Monday as the new faces of the City of Newburgh Police Department. Both were sworn in by Anika Mohammad, new city judge.

The new leadership will work hand-in-hand to transform the Police Department as the city continues to move forward with implementing City Council directives – driven by the community as well as the New York State Executive Order 203 regarding the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.

“I am very excited about the new leadership entering into our Police Department. It aligns with what we all collectively reimagine our Police Department to be, which will improve police and community relationships, and foster recruitment efforts, too, that will be inclusive and diverse,” said Mayor Torrance Harvey. “This is historical and exciting. Great things are happening in our city.”

The City conducted an extensive search for the position of Police Commissioner. The recruitment effort attracted diverse applicants from multiple states given the position’s unclassified Civil Service exempt class appointment. A Civil Service exam is pending for the Police Chief position.

“We haven’t had a police commissioner in the city of Newburgh since 1982,” Harvey noted at Monday’s ceremony. “We are excited that you all are going to join the city of Newburgh police department.”

A native of the Dominican Republic; Gomerez is one of 12 children. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 20 and became a New York City Police cadet in 1997. Two years later, he became a U.S. Citizen and obtained a BA degree from the City University of New York.

Gomerez’s career in law enforcement spans more than 23 years. His early experience includes service as a Police Officer in New York City and the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, as well as a tenure as Police Sergeant in the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department. Gomerez has a record of successfully balancing policing operations with interactions, outreach, and engagement with communities of diverse backgrounds through his work in Quality of Life Initiatives and outstanding skills as an investigator.

He and his wife Dawn are the proud parents of Patrick, Sarah and Jack.

“It is my honor to join your team,” he said moments after receiving his badge. “Together we are going to work towards a great future.”

Chief Geraci’s career in law enforcement spans over 21 years, beginning with the New York City Police Department and later with the City of Albany Police Department. During his time with the Albany Police Department, he rose through the ranks, starting as Police Officer and later moving to positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant-Patrol Platoon Commander, and Lieutenant-Unit Commander before becoming Chief of Police for the City of Watervliet, NY.

He has a Bachelor of Science-Criminal Justice degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration from Marist College. He and his wife Jackie have four children.

“Policing is a family business,” he said Monday, noting that five members of his family, all present at the ceremony, were police officers, including his father, brother-in-law and twin brother.

He addressed the members of the City of Newburgh Police Department.

“Regardless of your title, assignment or rank, we all have the same job,” he said. “To ensure public safety and achieve the mission.”

He promised that he and his new boss, the commissioner, will provide leadership and professional development.

“We know for a fact that we have a lot of trust to build here in the city of Newburgh, both internally and externally,” Geraci said. “We have a lot of work to do together. Let’s get started.”