Praise All Around as Chief Larsen Signs Off

Chief Gerard Larsen of the East Hampton Village Police Department, who announced his retirement last month, was honored for his long service to the village at the board’s work session last Thursday. Expressions of appreciation, both to him and from him, were heard.

Before reading a formal proclamation thanking the chief, Richard Lawler, a member of the village board for more than eight years who is its police commissioner, said, “During his tenure, he presided over new technologies for the Police Department. He was also very, very involved in getting the department New York State accreditation, which is very important. He also supervised the emergency village dispatch, and also the newly created paid first-responder program. He handled all his duties in a professional manner, and I think he served this village very well. . . . We appreciate his service, and congratulations.”

Mr. Larsen began his career with the Police Department as a traffic control officer in 1983. He became a part-time member of the force the following year and accepted a full-time position two years later. He was promoted to detective in 1990, to sergeant in 1994, and to lieutenant in 2001. He was named chief in 2003.

“I’ve had such an enjoyable career with the village,” Mr. Larsen said, “but as chief of police I think I’ve been the most successful.” When he took over as chief, the department was in turmoil and morale was low, he said. “We were able to turn that around and today the department is well run. We’re New York State accredited. We have no union issues. We have no employees out injured. We have no one out long-term sick. The finances are good, and the morale is very high.”

Although Mr. Larsen’s retirement is not official until July 31, the end of the village’s fiscal year, he left office at the end of last month, using remaining vacation time. He told The Star last month that he had taken a position as director of security for a private company and that he was interested in running for town board.

He thanked Capt. Mike Tracey, who was appointed acting chief later in the meeting, calling him “my right-hand man for the last 20 years and a great friend for the last 34,” as well as Lt. Anthony Long, “who gets everything piled on him and spends endless hours making sure everything runs smoothly.” Mr. Larsen also thanked his secretary, the board, and the residents of the village.

 “The last person I’d like to thank is Mayor Paul Rickenbach. The mayor gave me this opportunity and it’s been a very rewarding experience. Thank you so much, and it’s an honor to call you my friend,” he said.

“We wish you well. We compliment you for your service, and may you have a continued successful career in whatever you decide to do,” the mayor replied.

It is unknown if Captain Tracey is a candidate to replace the chief, but Mr. Lawler spoke highly of him as well. “I have every confidence he’s going to perform his duties in a professional and very able manner. I want to stress that he has the full support of the board in this new appointment,” he said.