New Policeman Hired, Three Promoted in Larchmont

LARCHMONT, N.Y. -- The Larchmont Police Department promoted three of its officers and hired one. All four took the oath at Monday's standing-room only Board of Trustees meeting, filled by family and friends of the officers.

Kirk Miller, 25, became Larchmont's newest police officer, effective Jan. 2. The New Rochelle resident was a police officer for two years in Mt. Vernon and, "came to us very highly recommended," said Chief John Poleway.

Poleway and the board filled another vacancy from within, by promoting Kenneth Olsen from patrol sergeant to detective sergeant. He replaces Walter Burke. The 10-year veteran of the Larchmont Police Department will oversee the daily operations of the detective division and youth bureau and assist with investigations. He is responsible for warrant control and is the court liaison officer.

With Olson moving up the chain, Juan Sanchez was promoted to patrol sergeant. Sanchez has 20 years of total experience, 11 of which was with the Larchmont Police Department.

Finally, Timothy Brennan was assigned to detective, second grade, replacing the retiring Rocco Greco. Brennan has served Larchmont for 23 years.

All promotions and assignments were made effective Dec. 21, 2011, and were made possible by the labor agreement reached at the board's Nov. 21 meeting. Mayor Josh Mandell said the board wasn't willing to fill any of the vacancies before completing negotiations with the Larchmont Police Benevolent Association, which lasted over one year.

"Please keep in mind that retiring police, even when replaced, serve as significantly reduced costs in the upcoming budget for several reasons," Mandell said.

Mandell said new employees will make up to $50,000 less in salary than the police they replace, in addition to requiring between $10,000 and $20,000 less in pension contributions.

The PBA labor agreement, a three-year extension, limits annual wage increases to 1.5 percent - the lowest in 25 years - and removes the dollar cap of $3,500 per year on health care contributions for new employees, who will now contribute a straight 25 percent during the entire term of their employment in the village. All new employees will be required to contribute to their retiree health care insurance premiums at a rate of 50 percent.

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