Village of Fishkill appoints former county investigator to police department; board discusses full‑time school officer plan

The Village of Fishkill board voted to appoint Aram Mergin to the village police department following a recommendation that highlighted his law enforcement background.

The police representative told the board Mergin retired in 2025 from the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office, where he worked as an investigator and law‑enforcement coordinator in a child advocacy center. The presenter also recounted Mergin’s earlier service with the New York State Police, including investigative and trooper roles, and said he is a local resident.

Trustees moved and seconded the appointment; the board approved the motion by voice vote and welcomed Mergin. Officials noted administrative details such as coordinating with the court clerk to swear in the officer and expected him to be on patrol within weeks.

Separately, police staff reported progress on placing a full‑day school officer at a local school funded by the school district. The police representative said the state provided a temporary waiver to allow a retired officer (Officer Ryabard) to fill the full‑day role while the village and county personnel pursue a permanent 39‑hour position to begin in September. The officer’s full‑day presence would expand the current 3‑hour contract to a start‑to‑finish daily assignment, at no expense to the village under current proposals.

The board asked staff to continue coordination with county personnel on the position and to return with a finalized employment arrangement.