By Hank Russell
The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved Kevin T. Catalina as the new police commissioner. He replaces Acting Commissioner Robert Waring, who returned to his previous position as chief.
The vote was 17-0. Legislator Robert Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) was absent.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, County Executive Ed Romaine nominated Catalina as police commissioner. Catalina previously served as deputy commissioner with Belinda Alvarez-Groneman.
From 2018 to 2023, he served as the undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing Intelligence Operations and the Training Academy. His 27-year career with the NYPD included roles such as Deputy Chief and Commanding Officer of the Intelligence Bureau’s Operational and Analytical Section. His initiatives in the NYPD’s Gang Division led to a significant reduction in shooting incidents.
After the vote, Catalina was sworn in by County Clerk Vincent Puleo.