Robert Waring, a 37-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department who was named acting commissioner this month, was tapped to permanently fill the top cop job, pending legislative approval, officials said.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced Friday the decision to appoint Waring, who will also continue to hold the title of chief of department — the highest sworn position in the department. His nomination now goes before the county legislature, which must vote to confirm his appointment.
“It is the highlight of my career to lead these fine men and women, who put their lives on the line every day to keep every Suffolk County resident safe,” Waring said.
Waring replaced former commissioner Rodney Harrison, who retired in December following two years in the post. The new commissioner previously served as Chief of Patrol, Chief of Operations, Commanding Officer of the Third Precinct and Commanding Officer of the Precinct Detective Bureau.
Romaine also named two new deputy police commissioners: Kevin Catalina and Belinda Groneman, who is the first Latina to serve as in that position in the department’s history.
Groneman is an 18-year veteran of the department, who previously served as Special Assistant to the Police Commissioner and head of security for former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) and has been involved in community organizations including the Suffolk County Community College Foundation Board, Pronto of Long Island, Inc., and Islip Food for Hope.
Catalina has served since 2018 as Undersheriff of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, where he has been responsible for the oversight of the Police Division, and the Corrections Division Intelligence Bureau, which includes a team of 30 investigators and a unit of analysts. He previously served Deputy Chief of the NYPD and commanding officer of multiple units, including the 44th Precinct, Gang Division, Patrol Borough Manhattan North and Intelligence Bureau Operational and Analytical Section.
The district attorney and multiple law enforcement unions expressed support for the appointments. The confirmation is not expected to see resistance from the county legislature, which is led by Romaine’s Republican allies.
“The dedicated men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department are ready for new leadership, and this team ushers in a new era in Suffolk County law enforcement,” said Romaine.
