Cornell University has named Eric Stickel as its new chief of police, officially promoting him to the top post on November 6 after a successful stint as interim chief.
Stickel has been leading the Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) since September, following the retirement of former Chief Anthony Bellamy. The promotion was announced by David Honan, associate vice president for public safety.
“Chief Stickel has demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism and leadership,” Honan said. “This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his service and vision for the future of CUPD.”
From patrol officer to police chief
Stickel brings more than 17 years of law enforcement experience to the role. He began his career with CUPD in 2008 as an officer and steadily rose through the ranks. He became a patrol sergeant in 2015, a training sergeant in 2019, and a lieutenant in 2021. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2022 before stepping in as interim chief this fall.
Along the way, Stickel earned several honors, including the Frank G. Hammer Officer of the Month, and two Tompkins County STOP DWI Awards of Excellence. He also served for 10 years as a drug recognition expert, trained to detect drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
In 2021, he and two colleagues received the Director’s Citation for assisting an officer during a life-threatening medical emergency.
A community-first approach
Stickel says his leadership style is grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and community-based policing.
“I believe that relationships are only built at the speed of trust,” he said. “We’ve tried to deliver that by listening closely, communicating openly and showing our community members that their voices matter.”
Outside of law enforcement, Stickel is deeply involved in the local community. He coaches girls’ soccer at Lansing High School and runs the Adam Heck Annual Soccer Camp, which this year hosted over 300 kids from kindergarten to 10th grade.
Stickel holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lycoming College, completed the FBI National Academy, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Safety from the University of Virginia.
He lives in Lansing with his wife Jenna and their two children.
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