Crime was a key issue in the 2023 race for Suffolk County executive, with Ed Romaine coming out on top due in part to his pro-law enforcement, anti-criminal platform. He emphasized that with the right leadership, the police department has the capacity to keep the citizenry safe.
Romaine’s effort to solidify the department’s top brass culminated this week with the announcement of a new commissioner, Kevin Catalina, the county police second-in-command who’s also served as a Suffolk Undersheriff and New York City officer. He steps up to lead one of the nation’s largest police forces with over 2,700 sworn officers and 600 civilian employees.
"Kevin has proven himself a leader and I have confidence in him to lead the department,” Romaine said announcing the promotion at a Hauppauge news conference. His appointment is expected to sail through the Suffolk Legislature as its presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, and other key officials, including Sheriff Errol Toulon, attended the media event.
Catalina, 57, relieves Acting Commissioner Robert Waring, who assumed the role at Romaine’s request as he searched nationwide for a new top cop. Waring, a 39-year police veteran, will return to his previous post as chief of department. Catalina succeeds Rodney Harrison, an appointee of former County Executive Steve Bellone.
It was the crime wave set in motion through the policies of Bellone’s fellow Democrats in Albany and Washington that became a top concern of voters in not only Romaine’s defeat of Dave Calone but also the governor’s race, where former Congressman Lee Zeldin nearly won over Kathy Hochul on a pro-police slate. The Republicans railed against their opponents for supporting cashless bail, defund the police, and anti-law enforcement rhetoric.
Romaine made good on his anti-crime promises during his first year in office as he increased the number of officers and demonstrated he has their back. The department is at historically high staffing levels, with Romaine indicating that a new police headquarters may be built or the current facility in Yaphank will undergo a major renovation. He previously appointed Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, a retired county police detective, as a deputy.
“Kevin Catalina brings decades of law enforcement experience, the spirit of innovation, and unsurpassed dedication to the role of Suffolk County Police Commissioner,” said PBA President Lou Civello. “He has worked diligently to make Suffolk one of the safest counties in the nation, earning the respect of the rank and file. We congratulate him on being nominated police commissioner and look forward to continuing to work with him protecting Suffolk County residents.”
During his 27 years with the city police, Catalins rose to deputy chief and commanded units tasked with analyzing intelligence and preventing gang-related crimes. He oversaw police protection during many prominent events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the New York Marathon. He took center stage at the recent unveiling of a new Crime Analysis Center at the Yaphank HQ, a “crown jewel” among facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology to fight crime.
"I have been a Suffolk County resident my whole life. I grew up admiring the Suffolk County Police Department," Catalina said at the Hauppauge announcement. "I went into law enforcement a long, long time ago with the hopes of becoming a Suffolk County police officer, and a year ago, I got the opportunity. It couldn’t have been a better year." He called his ascension to commissioner a "dream come true." He pledged to prioritize violent crime and make roadways safer by increasing the number of patrol officers. Another focus will be on illicit drugs and a reduction in overdose deaths.
Catalina noted that his mother had passed away only a few days earlier, saying he wished she could have been around for his elevation to commissioner. "I think my mother would be very proud, happy, that I am being considered for this position," he said. "I don’t think she ever expected it. As a mom, you don’t expect your crazy kid to end up in this spot." A 1989 graduate of the state university at Oneonta, Catalina holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.