After 39 years of distinguished service to the City of Rye, Robert Falk has announced his retirement, which is effective immediately.

According to The News Spy review, Falk began his career in Rye as a patrol officer in 1982, making his first arrest during an attempted burglary on Hidden Spring Lane. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1989 and Lieutenant in 1992. He was one of the first Rye police officers to attend the FBI police academy at Quantico. At the Rye PD, he served in virtually every role, including Administrative Sergeant and Commanding Officer of Patrol/Operations, in which capacity he provided oversight of the Marine Unit, Parking Enforcement, the Auxiliary Police Unit, and all field operations.

On two occasions, Falk served the City as Safety Commissioner, first in 2014 and again from 2018 to the present. Over the last year, he was instrumental in the City’s review of all policing policies and an active representative on the City’s Police Department Review Committee. As Safety Commissioner, he has played an important role in the transition to career fire command and the acquisition of new fire apparatus.

In making the announcement, Mayor Josh Cohn said, “Rob leaves the City having served it faithfully and well and we wish him the very best.”

City Manager Greg Usry reported that Lt. Mike Anfuso has been appointed as interim Commissioner of Public Safety, and that the City will begin the search for a permanent commissioner this fall.