The Newark Police Department has a new leader.
The Village announced the hiring of Richard Martin to fill the role. After serving in the U.S. Army, Martin started his police career with the Newark Police Department. He then had a 10 year career with the Rochester Police Department, including being part of the Technicians Unit, SCUBA Squad, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and Patrol Supervisor.
Since 2011 Martin kept himself busy with a number of positions at Keuka College including Program Director, Division Chairperson, and Associate Vice President. He has served with the NY State Division of Criminal Justice Services providing guidance for agencies in Western NY who are part of the GIVE Program (Gun Involved Violence Elimination). He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and a Doctoral degree in Organization Leadership.
Mayor Jonathan Taylor stated was excited about the hiring. “We are thrilled to have Richard Martin joining our team. His extensive career in law enforcement makes him the perfect candidate to be our next chief,” he said. “I would like to thank our Police Chief Search Committee, which included members of our community. The diligent, thoughtful process of our committee along with Richard’s experience and plan for our Police Department will ensure that we have leadership for years to come.”
“Rich has a tremendously successful and varied background in law enforcement, that now will benefit the Village of Newark residents and Police Department members,” Police Commissioner, Stu Blodgett said. “I would also like to thank Officer-in-Charge Sgt. Jim Thomson for heading our police department over the last year. Under his watch, he participated in our Community Collaboration and Public Safety Committee, worked with James Schuler of Youth Advocate Program (YAP) to clean out our unclaimed bicycles by donating them to local youth. Sgt. Thomson was a steadying hand as we searched for a replacement for Chief Thoms.”
Meanwhile, Blodgett said the new leadership in the department will serve as an instant spark for its members. “Martin will have an immediate positive impact on our Police Department as we begin interviews for patrolman and future promotions,” he added. “Today is a great day for the Newark Police Department.”
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