Letters

As a graduate of the 2025 Southampton Town Civilian Police Academy, I am very pleased to share my experience so all can feel confident in the officers who serve our town.

The safety of our community is the department’s No. 1 priority, and the wise use of our taxpayer dollars is its No. 2.

Under the resolute leadership of Chief James Kiernan, each officer utilizes the best and most modern police methods, techniques and technologies to protect and serve a diverse community like ours. The department ascribes to the 4 “Cs” of modern American policing. Chief Kiernan insists that our officers, on and off duty, adhere to the following tenets of behavior:

1. Constitutionality — no police officer may break the law to enforce the law.

2. Compassionately — every police officer must remember they are dealing with people.

3. Consistently — every police officer must serve and protect every individual and neighborhood the same way, no matter what the ethnicity or economic status of its residents and visitors.

4. Collaboratively — every police officer must work with the people they serve.

I witnessed Officers Dillon Kelly, Joe Maloney and Ralph Pepe treating the people with whom they interacted with dignity and fairness. They de-escalated every tense situation safely.

The first line supervisors, Sergeant Eric Sickles, Sergeant Lewis Scott, Detective Sergeant Gina Laferrera, and Detective Sergeant Tim Wilson, were always available to assist their officers in every way. Lieutenants Todd Spencer, William Kiernan, Carl Schottenhamel and Joseph D’Arce provided all members of the department with ongoing, detailed and comprehensive training and oversight. They were completely versed in the law, as well as the policies mandated by our civilian elected government; consequently, complying with the mandates of the people of Southampton Town.

Detectives Julian Davila and Ryan Hughes demonstrated the rigor and responsibility of conducting thorough investigations to ensure the rights of all involved are preserved. Det. Davila interrupted his personal family time to assist a stranded motorist. This is the dedication to service that runs through every member of the department.

Det. Davila and Lt. Schottenhamel conducted an outstanding CPR and AED training class. The certifications we received may very well save the life of one of our neighbors.

Suzanne Parkin, senior police operations aide, was vital to keeping us running smoothly. She handled all tasks with precision and smiles. We send a special thank you to Suzanne.

We experienced a state-of-the-art curriculum designed by Lt. Kiernan. He painstakingly made certain every learning module covered the most current techniques and policies. We received an outstanding education thanks to Lt. Kiernan and his highly professional cadre of officers, detectives, sergeants and lieutenants.

The Class of 2025 recognizes Chief James Kiernan for his devotion to service.

Mike Alexander

East Quogue