Neil K. Reynolds sworn in as New Rochelle police commissioner

Neil K. Reynolds was sworn in as police commissioner of the New Rochelle Police Department during a promotion ceremony at City Hall in New Rochelle, New York. City Manager Wilfredo Melendez and City Clerk Kim Jones took part in the ceremony, which included remarks from retired Commissioner Robert Gazzola and others.

Melendez said the appointment recognized Reynolds’s experience and priorities. “This is a momentous occasion as we welcome a leader committed to upholding justice, ensuring safety, enforcing trust,” Melendez said, adding that Reynolds is “entrusted with the responsibility to lead with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”

Reynolds has been a member of the New Rochelle Police Department since Sept. 11, 1994, and rose through the ranks: promoted to detective in 1998, sergeant in February 2007, lieutenant in 2014, detective lieutenant in 2020, captain in 2021, and appointed deputy police commissioner on Jan. 4, 2023, according to remarks read at the ceremony. He led the department’s professional development and community engagement division and served in patrol, the Police and Community Together unit (PACT), criminal investigations and internal affairs during his career.

Retired Commissioner Robert Gazzola, who said he appointed Reynolds as a deputy commissioner two years ago, offered personal praise. “He is the right guy for this position. He is thoughtful. He's considerate. He loves New Rochelle,” Gazzola said.

The ceremony included a recitation of Reynolds’s professional training and honors: completion of courses including the New York City Police Department internal affairs investigators course and FBI leadership programs; awards listed at the ceremony included a police commissioner’s award, seven commendations, three Class C citations, two lifesaving awards, two police officer of the month awards and one department problem-solver award. The remarks also listed several organizational memberships and civic recognitions attributed to Reynolds.

City Clerk Kim Jones administered the oath of office to Reynolds. The oath as recited referenced the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York.

After the oath, Commissioner Reynolds addressed the audience and thanked attendees. “I am honored and humbled to be able to lead what I often call the best police department in Westchester County and certainly one of the finest in the state,” Reynolds said. “My door is open for you.”

The ceremony concluded with an invitation to join city officials in the rotunda for light refreshments.