Suffolk County Police Department Deputy Commissioner Belinda Alvarez-Groneman was named "Woman of the Year" by the Suffolk County Association of Women Police at a recent ceremony.
Officers Alisa Cipolla and Melissa Henry were also honored.
Deputy Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman has protected and served Suffolk County since joining the force in 1981. Her first job was Community Service Aide.
Four years later, she transitioned to the role of a police officer. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been recognized numerous times for outstanding police work. In 1997, Deputy Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Police Commissioner's staff as Special Assistant, focusing on enhancing police-community relations.
Her leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the 3rd Precinct Explorer program, empowering youth in the community.
After retiring as a detective, Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman joined the Office of Congressman Lee Zeldin during his inaugural term in 2015. In this role, she dedicated herself to serving the community in various capacities, including immigration, security, and law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman is also active in numerous charitable endeavors and community organizations such as the Suffolk County Executive’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Adelante’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade committee, and the Adopt-a-Family at Christmas Program, sponsored jointly by the Suffolk County Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office through Pronto of Long Island.
Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman also had leadership roles in various advisory boards, including chairing the Suffolk County Executive's Advisory Board and serving on former Rep. Rick Lazio’s Hispanic Advisory Board. Additionally, she served as President of the Suffolk County Police Officers Hispanic Society from 1989 to 1993.