Lieutenant Suzanne Hurteau To Serve As Acting Chief Of Southampton Village Police Department

Lieutenant Suzanne Hurteau was named acting chief of the Southampton Village Police Department, Mayor Jesse Warren announced on Wednesday, September 8.

Police Chief Thomas Cummings retired effective Friday, September 10, after 10 years as chief and 34 years in the SVPD. As the village begins a formal search for his replacement, Lt. Hurteau will serve as acting chief.

“Suzanne has served our Village for 24 years and knows our police department as well as anyone,” the mayor said in a press release, noting that the Village Board supported the move. “I look forward to working with her to improve the SVPD and keep Southampton safe.”

He added, “The department is in great and capable hands with Acting Chief Hurteau.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Warren and the entire Village Board for having the confidence and trust in me to lead this department during this transitional time,” Lt. Hurteau said.

Mayor Warren noted that she will be among the candidates considered for the permanent position by a search committee, as well as qualified candidates from both inside the department and outside the village.

The committee will be chaired by Trustee Robin Brown and co-chaired by Ed Moneypenny of the Budget & Finance Committee. Other members are Trustee Roy Stevenson, the Reverend Donald Butler and the Reverend Michael Vetrano.

Deputy Mayor Gina Arresta added: “I look forward to working together with Acting Chief Hurteau during this time of transition. The SVPD needs strong leadership as we work to make our department even better.”

Ms. Brown, who chairs the Search Committee, stated: “We are fortunate to have a talent such as Lieutenant Hurteau to take the reins as Acting Chief of Police. This is a new beginning, and I am looking forward to working with Acting Chief Hurteau as well as the entire Southampton Village Police Department. It takes a united village to make a difference.”