Johansen Named New Police Chief in Peekskill
Since he was a young child playing cops and robbers, Eric Johansen aspired to be a police officer and move up the ranks. On Friday, he reached the highest plateau in the Peekskill Police Department.
Johansen, 42, a 19-year veteran in the department who has been acting chief since January after Eugene Tumolo retired, was officially named police chief of the city’s police force. The Common Council approved the appointment, which carries an annual salary of $141,000, on Monday night.
“I’ve always been an ambitious guy. To rise to the top is such a tremendous accomplishment. I’m so proud of it,” said Johansen, who was joined by family, friends and community supporters. “I’m excited about this opportunity s and eager to get to work and I’m so proud to be here at this moment.”
Mayor Mary Foster said Johansen proved over the last two months he could lead the more than 50 Peekskill law enforcement officers.
“This is a special day for Peekskill,” Foster said. “We’re happy that Police Chief Eric Johansen has stepped up to the challenge and appreciate his deep roots to the community. He has demonstrated he is able to lead this department into the future.”
City Manager Brian Havranek said city officials only interviewed two candidates for the position, which Tumolo held for 18 years during his 44-year career in Peekskill. Havranek said Johansen and Peekskill Police Captain Paul Astrologo, who has worked in the department for more than 30 years, were both highly qualified.
“Both candidates brought a lot to the table,” Havranek said. “We decided what would be the best fit and total package moving forward and where we want to see the department grow.”
Johansen is looking to foster a closer relationship with the PeekskillSchool District. Foster said city officials believe Johansen also is well suited to enhance the Police Department’s community outreach and implement modern police techniques.
“We are tough on crime but we also don’t want to be tough on our own people. It’s a tough balancing act,” she said. “We’re proud our Police Department works proactively to solve problems. They do so much for all of our residents of all ages.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
