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"This is a tough one, and very troubling" said Spring Valley Police Chief Paul Modica, also the Rockland Police Chiefs Association president. "I hope this is not politically motivated. I have known Chief Sullivan for a long time and he is a man of integrity who stands fast for what is right and won't be bullied."
Clarkstown officials are not commenting about the board's move to suspend Sullivan, said lohud.com.
Sullivan, who started his career as a New York City police officer 32 years ago, joined the Clarkstown Police Department in 1987. He was promoted to sergeant in 1995, lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2009 and chief in 2011.
"I have worked hand-in-hand with Chief Sullivan and I can't say enough good things about his character and how he operates," said Chief William Barbera, of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office Police Division. "Chief Sullivan is a great man who does an outstanding job."
The town has 35 days from the date of his suspension to assign a hearing officer who will review evidence and make a recommendation to the city as to how to move forward. A process that could take months, according to lohud.com.
Sullivan, who will continue to receive his $278,161 salary while under suspension, had questioned Town Supervisor Goerge Hoehmann and the board's decision to hire an outside agency to look into his department, said lohud.com.
The Clarkstown Policemen's Benevolent Association President Raymond Laschet, said in a news release that the PBA was shocked to hear the news of the suspension.
"At this time the Clarkstown PBA is not privy to the specific allegations or charges brought against Chief Sullivan. What we do know is that Chief Sullivan has been a police officer for over 32 years, 30 of those serving and protecting the residents of the Town of Clarkstown," Laschet said. "Chief Sullivan rose through the ranks, ultimately being selected Police Chief, serving in that capacity for the last five years. The Clarkstown PBA feels he has been a fair and dedicated leader of the largest police department in Rockland County."
He added that like any officer facing disciplinary charges "we must wait for due process to prevail and let the facts come forth before rushing to judgment."
Click here to read the lohud.com article.
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