Former Chief of Detectives, Second Precinct Commander will work with Suffolk County police and community leaders on security issues
The Huntington Town Board, as part of the continuing effort to work with the Suffolk County Police Department and the community on increasing security and cracking down on crime in Huntington Station, voted today to retain the services of a former chief of detectives and Second Precinct commander to serve as the Town’s liaison.
In a resolution co-sponsored by Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and Councilwomen Tracey Edwards and Susan A. Berland, the Board voted to hire Varron Solutions LLC to provide consulting services and act as the Town’s liaison with the Suffolk County Police Department, community leaders and social services agencies and to provide assistance with a restructuring of the Town Department of Public Safety to better fulfill its mandate within the Huntington Station Community.
Varron Solutions LLC is headed by Dominick Varrone, who retired three years ago after more than 39 years with the Suffolk County Police Department, rising through the ranks of the department to his final post as Chief of Detectives. Previously, he headed the department’s first Anti-Gang Task Force, was commander of the Kidnap Investigation Team and commanding officer of Second Precinct. During his tenure there, the Second Precinct received the chief of patrol’s “Award for Excellence” and Chief Varrone was selected by the Huntington Tri-Community and Youth Agency (Tri-CYA) to its “Hall of Honor” for community service and dedication to youth. Chief Varrone holds a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Cortland.
“As the County and the Town have been working to address community concerns about crime in Huntington Station, the need for a liaison with the police and the community became clear,” Supervisor Petrone said. “With his distinguished police career and his rapport with and acceptance among members of Huntington Station’s diverse community, Dominick Varrone is the perfect choice for this assignment. I am thrilled that he has agreed to come out of retirement and accept this post.”
“Dominick Varrone will be a great asset to expedite efforts in Huntington Station, improve our public safety operations, and enhance our partnership with the SCPD and community leaders,” Councilwoman Edwards said.
"I look forward to working with Dominick Varrone in better coordinating our public safety efforts with those of the police department," said Councilwoman Susan A. Berland. "Dominic has an excellent reputation with the community and his particular expertise will go a long way to increasing code enforcement in Huntington Station and throughout the town. I am pleased to co-sponsor this resolution with the Supervisor and Councilwoman Edwards."
The recent efforts began after the murder of 18-year-old Maggie Rosales called attention to ongoing issues involving crime, and the hiring of Varrone is the latest of several measures Suffolk County and the Town have implemented since then. The Town has pledged code enforcement, building inspectors and fire marshals to work with the police on anti-crime measures. The Town also recently reopened its Public Safety Annex on Depot Road to increase Town public safety visibility in Huntington Station and to provide a location where community residents can seek information and pass on to the Town information about situations that might warrant investigation and action.
For its part, the Suffolk County Police Department has assigned a Captain from headquarters to work at the Second Precinct, coordinating Huntington Station police efforts, including the work of the Huntington Station Violent Crimes Task Force. The Town envisions Chief Varrone working with that officer, Capt. Robert Waring, as well as with the representatives of the recently-formed Community Watch. Chief Varrone will be based in the Public Safety Annex.
Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said, “Dominick Varrone served our Town with distinction as a Suffolk County police officer, detective and chief of detectives. He has a thorough understanding of our communities, our residents and our diversities. I welcome him on board to help strengthen our public safety efforts and how we may better deliver services to enhance the quality of life in Huntington Station.”
Councilman Eugene Cook said, “The Town of Huntington is extremely fortunate to have Varron Solutions LLC, led by Dominick Varrone, to work with the Second Precinct, Town of Huntington Public Safety and the community to benefit not only Huntington Station but Huntington as a whole. Dominick’s expertise will assist us all in the start of making our town a safer place for its residents and I offer my assistance to Varron Solutions and Dominick in accomplishing this important task.
Chief Varrone is expected to begin work next week. The terms of the contract between Chief Varrone and the Town remain to be finalized, but the resolution appropriates a cost not to exceed $50,000.