New Southampton Police Chief on the Job

Thu, 05/23/2019 - 06:39

By Taylor K. Vecsey

May 4, 2017

Steven E. Skrynecki, named by the Southampton Town Board in September to take over as town police chief, was officially sworn in this week. His appointment was delayed several times for various reasons, but he took the oath of office at Town Hall on Monday.

Chief Skrynecki was initially scheduled to begin full time earlier this year, but it was postponed until March due to Civil Service regulations that required he use up accrued vacation time from his previous job before starting a new one. He served as the police chief, the second in command, in Nassau County and retired in January after 42 years with the department.

He worked two days a week as a consultant in Southampton. In March, his start date was delayed again for personal reasons. His appointment was made official by town board resolution on April 25.

Capt. Lawrence Schurek had been at the helm since Robert Pearce retired as chief in late September.

On the Logs 01.22.26

Someone stole a plaster elephant statue from outside the front door of an apartment on Montauk Highway in Amagansett. The resident told police that she had an idea of who stole the statue, but the accused denied taking it.

Jan 22, 2026

911 Switch Is Delayed

When contract negotiations for 911 dispatching broke down between East Hampton Town and Village last spring, it became clear that the East Hampton Town Police Department would begin taking the bulk of 911 calls in the township from the village. The turnover was to occur on Jan. 1, but it has now been delayed for at least a month.

Jan 15, 2026

On the Logs 01.15.26

“Unwanted guests” were trying to take his belongings and refusing to leave, a Brandywine Drive, Sag Harbor, resident reported to 911 last Thursday, adding that one of them wouldn’t wake up and “may have overdosed.”

Jan 15, 2026

Teen Is Struck in Crosswalk

An 18-year-old was struck by a Honda sedan while crossing Newtown Lane in East Hampton on Saturday evening, near the intersection of Muchmore Lane.

Jan 15, 2026

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.