John Wighaus has been appointed as inspector general for the Town of Oyster Bay. A highly decorated, third-generation law enforcement professional, Wighaus brings more than three decades of investigative and leadership experience to his new role, where he will oversee integrity, accountability, and efficiency across town operations.
Wighaus recently retired from the Nassau County Police Department following 30 years of service. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the New York City Transit Police before joining Nassau County, where he was assigned to the Fifth Precinct and later promoted to Detective. His career includes extensive experience in the Narcotics/Vice Bureau, DEA Task Force, Special Investigations Squad, and the Asset Forfeiture & Intelligence Unit.
Throughout his tenure, Wighaus received numerous honors, including Fifth Precinct Cop of the Year, the Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Policing in 2013, the United States Attorney’s Award in 2014, the U.S. Secretary of Labor Award in 2019, and Nassau County Police Veterans Man of the Year and Law Enforcement Man of the Year in 2022.
Additionally, Wighaus was named PBA Cop of the Month twice and Detective of the Month three times.
Beyond his police work, Wighaus held key leadership roles in police advocacy. He was elected president of the Detectives Association Inc. (DAI) in 2017, leading efforts to protect and advance the rights of detectives in Nassau County. He also served as recording secretary for the State Association of PBAs and as a member of the National Association of Police Organizations, advocating for law enforcement at both state and federal levels.
“John Wighaus has dedicated his life to public service and integrity in law enforcement,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “His wealth of experience and unshakable commitment to accountability make him the ideal choice to serve as Inspector General and ensure taxpayer dollars are protected.”